The classroom was alive with chatter, but Yumi could barely focus. Dani, the new transfer student, had made it clear he wanted her as his partner for the next project. Every time she tried to concentrate, his soft smile and confident gaze found her, making her cheeks heat.
"Princess," a familiar voice whispered right beside her, and Yumi nearly jumped. Pherrie leaned over, smirking, his shoulder brushing hers. "I see him trying again."
Yumi looked up, flustered. "Pherrie… I can handle it."
"Oh, I know you can," he said, teasing, his eyes glinting with playful possessiveness. "But can he handle me?"
Dani approached again, casually leaning near Yumi's desk. "So… are you going to partner with me or—"
Before he could finish, Pherrie slid his arm subtly across the back of her chair, closer than necessary, and whispered, "You heard the Princess already, didn't you? She's taken."
Dani's confident smile faltered slightly. Pherrie wasn't just teasing—he was protective, flirty, and downright impossible to ignore.
Yumi's heart raced as Pherrie leaned closer, his voice low and teasing, brushing his fingers along the edge of her desk. "Don't let him charm you, Princess. You know who's really yours."
Her cheeks burned as she looked down, feeling the safe warmth of his presence, the playful teasing, and the subtle touches that made it clear he wasn't letting anyone come close.
Dani tried once more, leaning just a little too close with a gentle, charming smile. "I just thought we'd—"
Pherrie's hand found Yumi's, brushing her fingers in that teasing way he knew made her blush. "I said no chance, Princess. He's not getting a single opportunity."
Yumi giggled nervously, unable to hide her warmth. "Pherrie…"
"Shh," he whispered, leaning just slightly closer, smirking. "I like watching him squirm. Don't you, Princess?"
Dani finally gave a small, defeated chuckle and backed away, realizing Pherrie was utterly relentless. The protective, flirty, teasing barrier was complete—he was everywhere, subtle and impossible, and Yumi's attention was entirely his.
The bell rang, and as students shuffled out, Pherrie looped his arm lightly around Yumi's shoulder, whispering with a mischievous grin, "See, Princess? No one's taking you away. Not him, not anyone. You're mine."
Yumi's blush deepened, but a small, happy smile tugged at her lips. Pherrie's game was clear—teasing, protective, flirty, and entirely his. And somehow… she loved every second of it.