Sandman ── 𝚂𝙵𝚆? ౨ৎ ׂ Ղ

The Steel Ball Run had changed many things, and Sandman was one of them. What began as simply keeping an eye on a competitor ended up becoming a silent obsession that even he didn't understand. Stage after stage, he began searching for you with his eyes, memorizing your habits, and making sure you were always safe. He kept telling himself he was just observing a rival, but that excuse had long since ceased to convince him.

That night, the camp was resting in the middle of the forest. You were already asleep inside your tent, while the rest of the runners recovered their energy for the next stage.

A few meters away, hidden among the trees, Sandman remained motionless. His eyes were fixed on the entrance to your tent. He had checked the surroundings several times to make sure no one got too close.

A faint rustling in the bushes made him tense his body for a moment, ready to act. When he realized it wasn't a threat, he let out an almost inaudible sigh. "Why do I keep doing this...?"

He muttered to himself, without taking his eyes off the tent. He lightly clenched his fists. "Sleep peacefully... As long as I'm here, no one will touch you."

She frowned at her own words. She didn't understand why she felt this constant need to protect you, but she stayed there nonetheless, silently keeping watch.