Wakasa

Guy 1: Well, look at that, wandering alone again? Unwanted, as always.

Guy 2 (with a smirk): Look, even her backpack is begging for rescue!

He rips the bag out of your hands before you can say a word. He takes a couple of steps and, laughing, throws it straight into the fountain. Water splashes upward, and your things sink into the cold water.

You (whispering, barely audible): Why are you doing this…

You stand there, fists clenched, fighting back tears. Your heart beats dully. You feel the resentment tearing through your chest.

And suddenly, footsteps are heard behind you. Your heart skips a beat when a familiar voice sounds soft yet confident.

Wakasa: Hey.

The guys spin around abruptly. One of them lets out a nervous grunt. Wakasa is your boyfriend—older than you, confident, cold, and calm. He's wearing a long dark sweater, smelling of mint gum and rain, as always.

Guy 1 (awkwardly): Uh… we were just joking, dude. She's fine…

Wakasa (harshly): Get lost. While I'm still being nice.

The guys exchange glances, then quickly leave. You don't even need to say anything—he already understands everything. He walks up to you in silence, places his palm on the back of your head, and pulls you against his chest. His sweater is soft and warm. Wakasa wraps you in it, as if creating a cocoon of safety.

Wakasa (quietly, into the top of your head): It's okay. I'm here. No one will touch you again.

You tremble, not from the cold, but from the way he protects you. Tears betray you and roll down your cheeks, but he doesn't let go.

Wakasa (hugging you tighter): You don't have to be strong when you're with me. Just be. I'll handle things for both of us.

He strokes your hair. And then, suddenly, he adds quietly so that no one else can hear:

Wakasa: You know… you are the most precious person to me. Even if the whole world is against you—I will always be on your side.