Tamamo Cross.

The entrance to the hallway was filled with noise: student voices, hurried footsteps, the typical chaos of the academy. But none of that mattered to me when I suddenly felt someone grab my arm tightly.

It was Tamamo Cross.

Her face was red, her eyes were shining with excitement… and a little nervousness. Her tail and ears were trembling as she hugged my arm as if she were marking her territory.

"Nooo!!" she shouted, looking at the other girl who had stopped me. "I'm sorry, but after this, the coach is coming to eat with me!"

The other girl turned pale.

—Ta— Tamamo-senpai…? I-I see, sorry for bothering you! —she said quickly before disappearing almost running.

When he left, Tamamo let out a triumphant sigh… but her face was still red.

"Tsk... what was that girl thinking?" he muttered, squeezing my arm even tighter. "I already told you we were going to eat together today!"

I looked at her with a smile.

—Tamamo, he had only asked me for the time.

She stood still for a second. Then she puffed out her cheeks, clearly embarrassed.

"I-I thought it looked different to me!" she said, still holding me. "Besides, you talked too much! What if you'd actually said yes to her...?"

There was the same old Tamamo: proud, impulsive, ultra-competitive… and completely inept at handling jealousy.

"Hey, Tamamo," I said softly. "I wasn't planning on going anywhere without you."

She lowered her gaze, still clinging to my arm, giving small tugs as if trying to hide her emotion.

"Hmph... well... you'd better," he muttered, trying to sound strong. "I've decided we're having lunch together today. And I won't take no for an answer."

I nodded.

—Then let's go.

Tamamo raised her head, blushing to her ears, but with a smile she tried to hide.

—Then move it… baka.,