(A/N: Hello everyone, my dear readers. Before you start reading this fanfic, I want to say that I have been planning to write a similar collection of stories for a long time. Some chapters were written a year ago, so don't be surprised if the writing style changes somewhere.)

Ayanokoji was sitting on a bench inside the Keyaki shopping center. Answering the question about his stay there, we can say that he was just tired of sitting in the room, so he decided to go for a walk.

- Ayanokoji-kun? - The guy turned to the man who addressed him by name. In front of him was his classmate and the girl he needed to protect. Her name is Matsushita Chiaki, she stood with a group of girls. Seeing him, the other girls looked at him with disgust.

The guy was not surprised, because of his gloomy character, not very pleasant rumors spread all over the school, which is why people did not want to communicate with him, so most people do not like the guy. But Ayanokoji himself did not care at all, his priority was his work and Chiaki's safety.

Previously, he was this girl's bodyguard, but after entering school, she asked him to stop accompanying her all the time. She wanted him to enjoy the freedom that the school gave them.

- Matsushita? Did something happen? - the guy asked.

- We're going to go shopping, do you want to keep us company? - Ayanokoji was surprised by her sudden offer.

- What's the matter? Why do you look at Chiaki-chan like that? - Karuizawa asked, not hiding her irritation.

- It's okay, I'll join you - Ayanokoji replied.

As Ayanokoji expected, he was asked to join for a reason. There was no Hirata next to them, so he knew there was a reason why he was called. The girls made him carry their bags with clothes, but Ayanokoji didn't care, so he didn't mind.

They went to the cafe for a snack. Surprisingly, Ayanokoji, he was not forced to wait outside, but was put at the same table with them. Although the girls didn't show much sympathy for him, they couldn't deal so cruelly to him.

- By the way, Chiaki-chan, did you say that lately one of the third-year students is constantly calling you on a date? - Sato asked while they were waiting for their orders.

- Well, that's true, but I don't want to date this guy - Matsushita replied.

- What? But this guy is really handsome, I would agree if I were you - Shinohara said.

- He may be handsome, but I'm not interested in him. He only talks about himself all the time, ignoring my words. I'm not interested in such people - Matsushita said.

- Besides, I like someone else - the girl said mentally, looking at Ayanokoji.

Suddenly, a courier approaches their table. He hands out Matsushita's box, saying some words of gratitude or congratulations with a smile.

- Is this for me? But I don't remember me ordering anything - suddenly Ayanokoji, who is at the table, hears a ticking from the box and reacts instantly. He jumps from his seat and rips the box out of Matsushita's hands.

Squeezing the box in his hands, Ayanokoji breaks out of the cafe, heading to the railing that enclos the second floor of the shopping center. Reaching the railing, he forcefully threw the box high up, towards the open space. The box instantly soars into the air, after a few seconds an explosion occurred. He instantly jumped back, dodging the explosion.

Realizing what happened, Matsushita and the girls sitting at the table are shocked and horrified by the unexpected explosion. Their faces express horror and panic when they realize that they were so close to danger. Their eyes are filled with horror and anxiety, and their hearts beat harder with stress and fear.

Suddenly, the courier who gave them this bomb attacked Matsushita, with a knife in his hand. The girls at the table screamed in horror when they saw the attack of a courier with a knife in his hand on Matsushita. Matsushita, stunned by the shock, slowly realized the danger, but it was too late.

Suddenly, a glass bottle flies from behind, and forcefully crashes into the attacker's head. He loses his balance and falls to the floor, losing consciousness, and blood begins to flow from the wound on his head.

Ayanokoji, quickly approaching the girls, provides them with support and protection in this critical situation. His person expresses his determination and willingness to act to ensure their safety. He immediately assesses the situation and begins to act to make sure that everything is in order.

- Are you okay? No one was hurt? - His voice sounds caring (which surprised them very much) and decisively, his eyes carefully scan each of them in search of signs of injury or stress. He offers help if necessary.

They hardly and stutteringly express their gratitude:

Karuizawa, sobbing, says: "Ayanokoji... thank you..."

Sato, with a trembling voice, says: "You saved us... thank you..."

Mori, struggling to hold back his emotions, says: "Ayanokoji, you helped us out... thank you..."

Shinohara, smiling gratefully, says: "S... thank you... Ayanokoji"

Matsushita, with wet eyes, whispers: "Thank you... thank you for saving us... Ayanokoji-kun" she didn't know who could put the bomb in the box, but she knew that if it weren't for Ayanokoji, she wouldn't be alive now.

After the attack and intervention of Ayanokoji, guards, doctors and police arrive. They approach the scene in a hurry to ensure safety and assistance. The security immediately delimits the zone and begins to evacuate visitors while the doctors provide first aid to the victims. The police begin to inspect the scene and interrogate witnesses.

The courier is immediately neutralized and detained, and then taken out of the cafe under protection. Doctors examine each of the visitors for wounds or injuries, providing the necessary assistance if necessary. The police collect testimony and interrogate everyone who witnessed the incident to find out the circumstances of the attack and determine further steps in the investigation.

***

After the incident in the cafe, the name of Ayanokoji Kiyotaka really became the object of increased attention at school and beyond. The news of his heroic act quickly spread through the school, causing admiration and respect among students and teachers. His name became the main topic of discussion not only among students, but also throughout Japan.

Students discuss his act with admiration and surprise, and many of them express a desire to thank him personally. However, Ayanokoji remains calm and modest, despite the attention paid to him by other people. He is not particularly interested in his popularity, and he does not let it affect his personality. He is embarrassed by the attention he is given, especially from letters from unfamiliar girls, but he retains his modesty and focus on what is really important to him.

* A few days after the incident *

- You've become quite popular - said Horikita.

- Nothing can be done, the case in the cafe attracted a lot of attention. I didn't expect everything to go so far - Ayanokoji answered her question.

- Ayanokoji-kun!

- Good morning, Sato. Is there anything to help you? - Ayanokoji asked. The girl blushed slightly and smiling awkwardly, asked him:

- Ayanokoji-kun, would you like to join us during the lunch break?

- I have to refuse. I attract too much attention, especially among girls. I wouldn't want to spoil your break - the girl was sad because of his refusal, but she understood that he was worried about them and did not want their break to be spoiled because of him.

- Okay, then let's try some other time, - with her head down, she went back to her group.

Ayanokoji quietly got out of the classroom and ran away to the roof of the school to eat alone. He was noticed on the way. But Ayanokoji is also not sewn with a bark to allow a bunch of girls to catch him. He moved very quickly and deftly, managing to escape from them. He took quick steps to the roof of the building.

Once there, he saw another group of girls from his class, which included: Inogashira Kokoro, Kayano Onodera, Mei Yu Wang and Kushida Kikye. At the moment, everyone was here except Kushida.

They couldn't hide their surprise when they saw him here.

- Ayanokoji-kun? What are you doing here? - Mei asked.

- I wanted to have lunch in silence, and the roof of this school is what you need.

- Oh, I expected you to enjoy your popularity and walk in the company of a bunch of girls - Onodera said, and the other two girls agreed with him.

- Well, it's not really mine - Ayanokoji smiled slightly. - I just do what I like.

At the sight of a smile on Ayanokoji's face, the girls froze in place, as if enchanted by this unexpected and beautiful moment. Their eyes were filled with surprise and admiration, because it was the first time they saw his smile. Onodera, Kokoro and Mei Yu Wang exchanged dumbfuned glances, catching a moment of joy in the expression of Ayanokoji's face.

Impressed by Ayanokoji's smile, the girls quickly took out their phones and took a picture of him. A slight click of the camera interrupted the moment, capturing this special moment in their memory.

Ayanokoji, ignored their sudden act, and sat down to the girls, opened his bento, previously folded into beautiful Japanese patterns. Inside was the dish he cooked - it was shrimp tempura with tare sauce. The aroma of freshly baked corn batter with a thin crispy crust and juicy shrimp made the girls open their eyes in surprise.

- Oh, it looks incredibly delicious! - Inogashira exclaimed.

- Ayanokoji, I didn't know you were such a good cook! It looks amazing! - Onodera added.

Mei Yu Wang looked at the dish with admiration and said:

- It looks like it was cooked by a professional! I've never seen anything like that!

Seeing their admiring faces, Ayanokoji smiled and invited them to try their dish.

***

- We're going faster, we're late - Onodera exclaimed, immersed in Ayanokoji's story about what happened in the cafe, they forgot to look at the time.

Suddenly, Ayanokoji stopped, and the girls crashed into his back.

- Why did you suddenly stop? - Mei asked, but Ayanokoji quickly closed her mouth. He put his index finger to his lips, making it clear that she was silent.

He looked carefully out the window and saw that there were three huge men in the class, apparently they were holding them hostage. The first stood near the door, the second held Matsushita with a knife to her throat, and the third was behind their teacher. The girls behind the guy also saw this picture, an expression of fear and anxiety appeared on their face, they did not know what to do in this situation.

The situation was critical. Ayanokoji quickly thought out an action plan. He whispered to the girls:

- Girls, you need to call the police and security, and I'll try to deal with them.

- What?! No, they'll kill you if you go to them alone, May whispered.

- Ayanokoji, I understand that after that incident in the cafe you became popular, but it won't help here, they can just kill you - Onodera said quietly.

- Please don't go there, Ayanokoji-kun - Inogashira begged.

- We have no other way out, we should at least try, I promise that everything will be fine with me - said Ayanokoji, the girls looked at each other uncertainly, and eventually agreed.

Ayanokoji slowly approached the class door, coming close enough, quietly opening the door, he found a convenient moment and instantly attacked the bodyguard, striking an accurate blow that instantly knocked him out.

The reaction of the other two bodyguards was instant. They instantly turned in the direction of the noise, they were surprised to see how one of them could be knocked out, but when they saw that this man was an ordinary fifteen-year-old teenager, their surprise was replaced by shock.

Taking advantage of the situation, Koenji suddenly attacked the bodyguard who was holding Matsushita hostage. He struck several quick and strong blows, thus giving Matsushita the opportunity to free himself.

While Koenji was fighting the bodyguard, Ayanokoji attacked the last bodyguard. He quickly identified his weaknesses and style of struggle. At the beginning of the fight, Ayanokoji evaded the bodyguard's blows, using his dexterity and flexibility to avoid direct blows. Then he began to counterattack, aptly evading attacks and returning with quick and accurate blows. His movements were smooth and calculated, each blow fell on the point, the weak point of the enemy.

As the battle progressed, Ayanokoji quickly adapted to the enemy's fighting style. His speed and strength of blows increased, forcing the bodyguard to be in a defensive position. Seeing that the enemy was cautious and inclined to defend, Ayanokoji decided to change his tactics.

In order to trap the bodyguard, Ayanokoji deliberately weakened the strength and speed of his blows, creating the illusion of vulnerability. When the bodyguard, seeing the chance for the attack, intended to make a swing, Ayanokoji quickly bent down, and struck a strong uppercut exactly at the point of the bodyguard's vulnerability.

This blow was so powerful that the bodyguard was cut down instantly, unable to take even one step forward.

Meanwhile, Koenji used his strength and dexterity to maneuver around the bodyguard, avoiding his blows and creating opportunities for counterattacks. His attack was fast and aggressive, starting with several quick blows, he began to put pressure on the enemy, forcing him to retreat and defend himself.

Each Koenji blow was aimed at the enemy's weaknesses, trying to deprive him of the opportunity to continue the fight. When the bodyguard tried to respond with an attack, Koenji reacted quickly, dodging and counterattacking.

Trying to respond to Koenji's attack, the bodyguard made several clumsy movements, which allowed Koenji to step even harder. Each blow was accurate and verified, aimed at the enemy's weak points. With each passing moment, the fight became more intense.

Seeing that his opponent is starting to get tired and his defense weakens, Koenji decides to strike a decisive blow. He gathers all his strength and energy in the last powerful blow that knocks the bodyguard down.

The bodyguard falls to the floor, unconscious, and Koenji smiled smulfully. Throughout this tense time, which seemed like an eternity, the students continued to be shocked by what was happening. But the teacher, having recovered from the initial shock, took on the role of a calming presence.

A few minutes later, the girls came and left for help. They ran with security officers and other teachers to provide support and assistance. Together, they helped to make sure that everything was safe and provided the necessary assistance for those who needed it after the incident.

Ayanokoji noticed that Matsushita was still in a state of shock after the incident. She can also be understood, she was threatened twice. Coming up to her, he gently knelt down in front of her and took her hands in his own.

- Matsushita-sama, I understand how scary and difficult it is for you - he began, his voice sounded calm and comforting. - But remember that you are not alone. I promised to protect you, even if I had to die - he silently hugged her, showing his support.

He gently raised her face to look into her eyes, and smiled at her, trying to lift her spirits. - You're brave and strong. We'll go through it together. And I promise you that I won't let anything bad happen to you.

Matsushita slowly raised her eyes, meeting Ayanokoji's gaze. Her eyes were filled with tears and fear, but at the same time they read gratitude. She felt the warmth of his hands hugging her and heard his soothing words.

She sighed silently, as if trying to gather her thoughts. Then, her lips trembled, and she smiled faintly, trying to convey her appreciation and gratitude to him. Her hands slowly clenched in his hands, as if she wanted to hold on to the support he gave her.

- Thank you, Ayanokoji - she whispered, her voice sounded weak, but full of gratitude. - I... I appreciate your support. But I'm still scared, I don't know who does it and why, but the very thought that they want to kill me scares me very much.

Ayanokoji stroked her on the back. - I understand, Matsushita-sama. It's normal to be afraid in such a situation. But I promise I'll find a way to protect you. Don't worry, I'm here and I'll support you.

Matsushita nodded, feeling some confidence coming back to her.

- Thank you, Ayanokoji - Matsushita whispered.

***

- No, Chiaki. I've already said everything, you won't stay at this school - said the woman.

- But, Mom. Everything is fine with me, and nothing happened to me.

- It's because Ayanokoji was there at those moments. Imagine that if he hadn't had time to throw away that box with the bomb, or if he hadn't been able to defeat those bodyguards. Listen to me, Chiaki. I know you like this school, but I don't want to risk your life and the life of Ayanokoji-kun.

- Marie, you should take a little rest. Then I'll talk to them myself - said this woman's husband, known as Atsushi.

- All right, Atsushi-kun - said Marie.

- Chiaki - said the father, approaching her. - I understand that it's difficult for you. But your mother is right, her concern for your safety is important. This incident was serious. We must ensure your protection.

Matsushita looked at her father with understanding, but her eyes expressed sadness. - But, Dad, I don't want to leave this school. This is a place where I feel really happy.

- I know, Chiaki. But we'll find another place where you'll be just as happy.

- Matsushita-sama, I'm ready to go anywhere with you if you want it. You know I'll always be there to support you - said Ayanokoji, who has been silent all this time.

- But if you really want to stay at this school, I'll stay here with you. You're not alone, and I won't leave you in trouble. But let it be your decision. You have the right to know what to choose to be really happy - the guy added.

Matsushita felt the inner strength given to her by the words of support from Ayanokoji. She nodded, admitting his words.

Matsushita's parents exchanged views, expressing their concern.

- Chiaki, we understand how you feel, but please think carefully. We are worried about your safety. This incident showed that everything in this school is not as safe as we would like. We don't want anything to happen to you.

Matsushita understood what her parents were talking about, but she was determined.

- I understand, mom, dad. And I am grateful to you for your care. But I don't want to leave this school. Here are my friends, here is Ayanokoji. We can handle it together. I don't want fear to prevent me from living and studying here.

- All right, Chiaki. We respect your decision. But promise us that you will be careful and take care of yourself. And if something happens, contact us immediately - Matsushita's parents sighed, realizing that they couldn't force her to do what she didn't want.

Matsushita smiled, feeling relieved that her parents supported her choice.

- Thank you, Mom, Dad. I promise to be careful. And you will always be the first person I turn to if something happens.

Ayanokoji joined the conversation, addressing Matsushita's parents:

- Mr. and Mrs. Matsushita, I promise you that I will take