"Don't scream! We just want to be friends with you!"

"Help! Help! Hel—"

Walking to class, I suddenly heard a girl’s cry for help. I rushed toward the sound. After reincarnation, I hadn’t gained superpowers, but I’d picked up some basic sanda. I could handle ordinary bullies. Still, I’m no pushover—I don’t rescue just anyone. But a girl’s scream? Classic hero-saving-the-damsel setup!

Up close, two tall, sleazy guys were dragging a girl into the school storage warehouse. They were stripping her clothes. Seeing her face, I hesitated. She looked cute and energetic, but her chest was flat as a board. Was she a cute boy?

"Hey! The dean’s on his way! Back off!" But I couldn’t ignore it. Since I’d seen her, even if she was a cute boy, that helpless look got to me.

The guys turned, their faces ashen like they’d eaten cafeteria slop. They glared, then grinned wickedly.

"Scaring us? We’re not kids. The lazy dean won’t show up this early. You’re no hero!" One pinned the girl while the other cracked his knuckles, advancing.

"Tch. So troublesome. Can’t you just run? Guess I’ll treat this as morning exercise."

My words pissed off the big guy. He swung a furious right hook at my face.

His punch had power, but that’s all. I caught his fist, watched his disbelief, then kicked him hard in the groin…

The other guy saw his buddy collapse after three moves, clutching his crotch. He felt a twinge of sympathy. After sizing up our strength, he released the girl.

"Big bro! We just wanted to be friends! She always ignores us, so we got extreme…"

"Relax. I won’t report you. I want to be friends… too. Heh."

They were just students. They cowered instantly. I kicked the second one’s ass, sending him flying. Watching them flee while shouting empty threats, I felt nostalgic. Back when I was bullied by school thugs…

"Hey, little bro, you okay?" I gently helped up the cute-looking boy. But I’m straight, so after checking he was fine, I planned to leave.

"N-nothing! But ‘little bro’? I’m a girl, obviously!" The girl brushed off dust, shouting in embarrassment. Her chest was unbelievably flat.

"Not a cute boy? Whatever. How do I get to Class 5, Grade 1?"

Staring at her flat chest, she noticed my gaze. Remembering "little bro," she realized my thoughts.

"I’m in Class 5, Grade 1! What do you want there? And! I made my chest smaller because big ones were troublesome!"

"Oh, I get it. Lead the way then. I’m Wu Jing, also in Class 5. Nice to meet you." Discussing a flat-chested girl’s chest was creepy. I gave her a "you’re silly" look.

"I’m Yating. Follow me." Yating turned toward the classroom. Feeling Wu Jing’s gaze, she regretted swapping bodies with Hua Shu. Being mistaken for a cute boy was too much!

Near the classroom, Yating suddenly turned, blushing, and bowed.

"Thank you for saving me. I was really desperate. I’m so grateful."

I smiled and patted her bowed head. She jerked back like shocked, her blush deepening.

"C-class has started. Let’s hurry in."

She dragged me into class without asking. Was this okay? Being pulled in front of teachers and classmates would be awkward. But I didn’t care.

Inside, Yating awkwardly held my hand under everyone’s stares. One ponytailed girl gave her a thumbs-up. Tch, did I max out her affection meter?

"That student, I haven’t seen you before. What’s your name? Are you in Class 5?"

"Wu Jing."

"Wu Jing? Wu Jing… Director Wu! Oh, Wu Jing, take your seat."

The teacher’s sudden shift made classmates curious about me, the rarely-seen student.

"Hey hey~ Yating, when did you and Xiao Jing get together? You didn’t tell me! I’m so hurt~"