Karuizawa Kei held her breath.
This was the first time she had ever confessed to a boy.
The moment those embarrassing words left her lips, her ears burned crimson.
Despite putting on the act of a flashy gyaru, the truth was—
She had never even held hands with a guy before.
This clumsy confession was her first, fueled by sheer desperation.
Of course, it wasn't born from something as naive as romantic feelings.
She knew better than anyone—she was just seeking shelter.
If she could secure Shimizu Akira's protection,
the bullying, the torment… none of it would touch her again.
She had to survive this school.
(Will he say yes?)
Her teeth worried her lower lip.
She knew she wasn't bad-looking, but…
Her chest wasn't flat, but compared to the other girls—
Hasebe Haruka's voluptuous curves,
Sakura Airi's generous proportions,
even Horikita Suzune's modest but defined silhouette—
she couldn't measure up.
That insecurity pricked at her like tiny thorns.
"Honestly? Regardless of your motives, hearing this from you does make me happy."
Shimizu paused, then admitted it outright.
As a healthy male, being confessed to by a beauty like Karuizawa—of course it felt good. Anyone who claimed otherwise was lying.
But something about this "protection-based relationship" reeked of ulterior motives.
"Let me ask you this—do you actually like me?" He sighed. "Or are you just after my body?"
The moment the words left his mouth, even he was stunned—since when did he spout lines like that?
But the evidence was undeniable! This cunning girl was clearly eyeing his toned physique!
"I—"Karuizawa faltered, her face flushing violently.
She couldn't deny it.
Those defined abs, the biceps barely concealed by his uniform—they were major factors in her choice.
"I'm not blaming you." He shrugged. "Everyone's a bit shallow. I am too."
"...Really?" Her eyes lit up.
This guy was unexpectedly honest—nothing like the calculating image she'd imagined.
His bluntness, oddly enough, put her at ease.
"But there's one thing we need to clarify." His tone turned serious. "If we're dating, as your boyfriend, I'd want to kiss you, touch you, and…" A beat. "Eventually go all the way. Are you really okay with that?"
He wasn't getting a girlfriend just for decoration.
If they couldn't be intimate, he might as well stick to 2D waifus.
"That's…"Karuizawa stiffened, her face burning.
She hadn't considered this at all.
But then again… wasn't that normal for couples?
"I… don't think I'm ready for that yet…" Her voice was barely audible.
"So."Shimizu narrowed his eyes. "Do you need a protector or a boyfriend?"
"Protection." The answer came instantly.
"Then why insist on dating?" He frowned.
"Because…" She twisted her fingers. "Only then will people back off. A boyfriend protecting his girlfriend—that's just natural, right?"
"...Are your grades usually bad?" He suddenly sighed, massaging his temples.
"W-What's that supposed to mean?!" She bristled like a cat. "I'm average! Besides…" Her voice dropped. "It'd also… keep other guys away…"
Shimizu studied her. "What about becoming a sports club manager? That'd give you protection."
"You think I haven't tried?!" She wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Those senpais stare like they want to devour you…"
"Then join the boxing club as our manager. I'll have the captain put the word out." His voice was firm. "I'll watch over you during practice, and in class, I'll have your back—you'll be our mascot. That way, people will fear the club's rep and my presence. No one would dare touch you."
"That's…" Her eyes slowly brightened.
After a moment's thought, she realized—this worked.
No forced relationship, but real protection.
"Then… thank you, Shimizu-kun!" She bowed deeply.
"No need for thanks." He waved it off. "Just pay me in points."
"Huh?!" Her head snapped up, eyes wide.
"What?" He looked genuinely puzzled. "You didn't think I'd guard you for free, did you?"
His tone was matter-of-fact:
"This is a fair deal. Besides—if you don't pay, you'll always wonder, right? What if he abandons me one day?"
Karuizawa's mouth opened, then closed.
This guy's logic always pierced straight through her deepest fears.
For someone as insecure as her, paying for protection was actually a relief.
"...How about… 80,000 points a month?" She hesitated, then offered the number.
After quick math—that was 80% of her monthly income.
"Deal." He nodded, then raised a finger. "But let's be clear—I only step in if you're unfairly targeted. If you start trouble or try to abuse my name, you're on your own."
80,000 wasn't too much, but if Karuizawa pissed off upperclassmen, the fallout could cost him far more.
Yet, judging by her nervous demeanor—this was likely her limit.