Ayumu Genno just wanted to focus on his studies for the rest of his third year. He had zero interest in this messy drama. All he wished was to keep his head down—but reality kept forcing him to do the right thing. Deep down, it was Zhang Chufan’s ingrained "nice guy" nature, now living inside him, that wouldn’t let him betray his conscience.
Seizing the moment, Ayumu snatched the broom and swung hard just as Inoue Tatsuya aimed another kick at the tool in Sakuragi Nozomu’s hands. His target? That very leg. Time to give him a taste of his own medicine. The broom sliced the air with a sharp *whoosh* and landed precisely on Inoue’s calf.
"Aaah—!"
Inoue yelped in pain, crouching instantly to rub his throbbing shin. Ayumu wasn’t sure how hard he’d hit—but the steel broom handle was now visibly bent.
"Genno! What’s your problem? Looking to start a fight?" Takagi Yohei blustered, voice tight with forced bravado.
They’d frozen the second Ayumu moved, yet still dared to challenge him? Pure face-saving. Still, Ayumu only meant to teach them a lesson—otherwise they’d think he’d never act on school grounds. He’d chosen the classroom deliberately: Asou Yui was gone, dismissal had passed, and only a few students lingered. Minimal fallout.
"Oh, I’d *love* a fight," Ayumu drawled with a lazy smirk. "Question is—do *you* dare? Pick a time."
He played it cocky, tactically dismissive. It worked. Takagi and Inoue fell silent.
"Genno… you’ll regret this!" Takagi spat the tired threat, then slunk off supporting a limping Inoue.
Ayumu respected the threat strategically—but defense alone wouldn’t cut it. Sometimes offense *was* the best defense.
"Sakuragi, you okay?"
Only after they left did Ayumu turn. To his surprise, Nozomu’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
"Aniki…"
Nozomu’s voice carried unspoken words, swallowed back at the last second. The vulnerable look tugged at Ayumu’s heart—and felt a little cringey. *Ugh. Hero saves damsel, she pledges her life…* That cliché TV trope had been brewing since Nozomu first followed him. Now, after another rescue? Ayumu shuddered. Goosebumps prickled his skin.
If Nozomu were a girl, maybe. But he was a genuinely hefty guy—and Ayumu really didn’t want to imagine what might come next.
"Thank you, Aniki. It’s my fault… I’m useless. I dragged you into this again."
Nozomu barely finished before burying himself in sweeping. His reaction surprised Ayumu—then clicked. He was still hung up on Ayumu’s first-day words: *I’m leaving the Genno Legion. Don’t bother me.* Only Nozomu had accepted it as an amicable breakup. Takagi and Inoue had raged and threatened. Ayumu sighed inwardly. That moment had sparked everything since.
He tried straightening the bent broom handle. No luck. He dropped it and resumed cleaning.
Working together, they finished the classroom in ten minutes. As they stowed the tools, Ayumu brushed close to Nozomu again—but this time, no awkwardness.
Before, guilt had haunted him. Nozomu trusted him completely; Ayumu, after taking over this body, had turned cold. *He* was the one who betrayed that trust. But stepping in today eased the weight. Balance restored.
"Aniki… after your words last time, I’m following your path too. Studying hard. Aiming for college."
Nozomu hesitated, then spoke as Ayumu turned to leave. Ayumu blinked. His excuse to ditch the delinquent life… had actually inspired him? A flicker of interest stirred.
"Saku… Nozomu," Ayumu corrected himself mid-syllable. "Keep pushing. Aim high. Stuck on something? Come find me."
He’d almost said "Sakuragi-kun." But the Genno Legion always used first names. His feud with Takagi and Inoue didn’t involve Nozomu. And honestly? Nozomu was alright. No need to push him away. A quiet acceptance settled in.
"Mm! Thank you, Aniki!" Nozomu’s voice trembled with joy.
He heard the care beneath the words—a tiny thaw. Even if it felt like pity, he cherished it.
Watching Nozomu’s radiant smile, Ayumu felt warmth. *Just a sliver of hope… and he treasures it like gold. Is this devotion?*
"Ayumu. Seriously—*you’re* qualified to tutor others?"
Asou Yui stepped in, having caught the last line. Nozomu slipped away with a knowing, mischievous grin.
"Just blowing smoke. Don’t take it literally," Ayumu shrugged.
Truth was, tutoring Nozomu—or even Yui—would be effortless. But saying so? She’d never believe him. Easier to play it off.
"Well then…" Yui’s lips curved. "How about *I* tutor *you* instead?"
