The morning sun streamed through the classroom windows, casting warm light over the desks. Yumi tried to focus on her notes, but Dani's presence at the front of the class kept catching her attention. His confident smile and easy charm made her cheeks warm, though she kept her composure as best she could.
"Princess, still staring?" Pherrie's low, teasing voice came from beside her. Yumi nearly jumped, her cheeks flaming.
"I—I'm not staring!" she protested, adjusting her notebook.
Pherrie smirked, leaning closer, letting his shoulder lightly brush hers. "Mm-hmm. Sure. And yet, your eyes keep finding him."
Yumi groaned, but before she could argue, Dani walked closer to her desk. "Hey, Yumi, maybe we can partner up for the next assignment?" he asked, voice soft, almost coaxing.
Pherrie's smirk turned into a playful grin, and he subtly moved to block Dani's approach, his arm brushing hers, his hand lightly resting on the back of her chair. "Oh, I don't think so," he said teasingly. "The Princess already has a partner—and that's me."
Dani raised an eyebrow, a charming, confident smirk on his face. "I see… very protective, aren't you?"
Pherrie leaned slightly closer to Yumi, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "Protective? Maybe. Teasing? Definitely. And you—my Princess—stay close to me, understand?"
Yumi's heart fluttered, a mix of warmth and embarrassment at the playful words and subtle closeness. "I… understand," she whispered.
Throughout the class, Pherrie remained close, whispering small jokes, brushing lightly against her arm, and making it clear that no one—including Dani—had a chance to get between them. Dani tried subtly to make conversation or offer soft smiles, but Pherrie's presence was everywhere, teasing, flirty, and protective.
By the end of the day, Yumi realized how comforting it was to have Pherrie so close, his playful possessiveness making her feel safe and adored in the gentlest way. Dani, despite his charm, couldn't breach the invisible shield Pherrie had created.
As they walked out of the classroom together, Pherrie leaned closer, whispering, "No one's taking you away, Princess. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever."
Yumi blushed, a small, happy smile forming on her lips. "You really are impossible," she murmured.
"And yet," Pherrie teased, his hand brushing against hers, "you wouldn't have it any other way, would you?"
Yumi could only shake her head softly, laughter bubbling quietly as they walked down the hallway, the teasing, flirty, and protective bond between them stronger than ever.