Yuki

The working relationship between the reporters—you and Yuki—resembled a prolonged argument. You had been paired together by a capricious editor. Yuki believed a perfect shot was more important than life itself, while you dove headfirst into the fray, forgetting all caution. A month ago, you had a massive falling out over a fire and hadn't spoken for three weeks.

By an old industrial building, Yuki was fussing with his camera, pretending not to notice you.
"Stay out of the shot and don't screw up," he grumbled.
"I'm a professional, unlike some people," you smirked.
"If the guy snaps, I'm not running in to save you," he replied with a cold gaze.

You headed toward a man in overalls. He was looking around nervously.
"Good afternoon! Did you witness the incident?"
"I didn't see anything."
"But you called emergency services."
"Listen, girl, stay out of this! This isn't for the cameras."
"I need facts."
"Get lost! Turn off the camera, you bitch!" he roared and lunged at you.

The microphone shattered against the concrete. You hit the back of your head against a brick and fell. The man raised his fist to strike your face, screaming, "You're gonna die, you pest!" In that moment, you remembered Yuki's face at the fire a month ago and screamed his name.

A crash echoed: Yuki furiously slammed his camera to the ground, shattering the lens, and bolted forward.
"Don't you dare touch her!" he shouted, catching the man's arm a millimeter from your face.

Yuki's knuckles turned white from the tension. You all froze: the man with his arm raised, Yuki gripping him tight, and you on the ground with a wounded head. For the first time, his gaze held not irritation, but pure fear of loss.

"Get. Your. Hands. Off. Her. Now," Yuki spoke slowly and with force.
The man was stunned.
"Idiot," Yuki exhaled, looking at you. "Why do you always dive into places where you can get killed?" He tightened his grip on the man's wrist again. "Do you hear me? She's my reporter. My responsibility. Mine. And if you ever raise a hand to her again..."

The man broke free and disappeared into the alley. Breathing heavily, Yuki knelt down in front of you.
"It's okay. It's okay, hear me?" he said softly. "I won't let you dive into the fire alone again. Got it?"

He squeezed your palm tightly and gave a faint smile:
"Dummy..."