The next day dawned with a crisp, clear sky as Aphmau immediately rushed into Ein's room, her enthusiasm infectious even in the early morning hours.

"Come on, Ein! We've got to get going!" Aphmau chirped, tugging on his arm with a playful grin.

Ein groaned softly, rubbing his eyes as he sat up in bed. "Already?"

"Yes, already!" Aphmau exclaimed, undeterred by his sleepy protests. "We've got a big day ahead of us, and you don't want to be late on just our second day, do you?"

Reluctantly, Ein nodded, realizing there was no use arguing with his energetic sister. He threw back the covers and got up, his movements sluggish compared to Aphmau's boundless energy.

As they made their way to school, Aphmau chattered animatedly about their plans for the day, her words weaving through the crisp morning air. She talked about meeting up with friends, exploring new classrooms, and even the possibility of joining clubs together.

Ein listened quietly, his gaze drifting to the ground as he walked. Despite Aphmau's efforts to include him in the conversation, he felt a familiar sense of awkwardness settle over him. He wasn't as outgoing or social as his sister, and the thought of navigating the bustling hallways of Phoenix Drop High filled him with a mix of anticipation and unease.

Arriving at school, Aphmau immediately spotted a group of their friends gathered near the entrance. She waved enthusiastically and hurried over, pulling Ein along with her.

"Hey, guys!" Aphmau greeted them with a wide smile. "How's everyone's morning going?"

The group exchanged greetings and shared stories about how their summers went, their voices blending into a lively chorus. Aphmau effortlessly slipped into the conversation, laughing and joking with their friends as if she had known them forever.

Ein stood slightly apart from the group, his posture tense as he struggled to find a comfortable position in the social circle. He managed a few nods and awkward smiles in response to the conversations around him, but his mind raced with self-conscious thoughts.

Sensing Ein's discomfort, Aphmau glanced over at him with concern. "Are you okay, Ein?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Ein replied quickly, his voice barely above a whisper. He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact as he tried to mask his unease.

Aphmau frowned slightly, recognizing his familiar signs of social anxiety. She squeezed his arm gently, offering him a reassuring smile.

"It's okay, Ein. Just take it easy," she murmured, her voice filled with understanding.

Ein nodded gratefully, appreciating his sister's support even as he struggled to shake off his nerves. He knew Aphmau meant well, but he couldn't help feeling like he didn't quite belong among their lively group of friends.

As the morning progressed, Aphmau continued to chat and mingle with their friends, effortlessly bridging the gap between old acquaintances and new connections. Ein remained on the outskirts of the group, listening quietly and occasionally contributing to the conversation when prompted.

Despite his efforts to blend in, Ein couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider. He watched Aphmau with a mix of admiration and envy, marveling at her ability to navigate social interactions with ease.

As the bell rang for their first class, Aphmau turned to Ein with a warm smile.

"Ready to tackle another day, Ein?" she asked cheerfully.

Ein nodded, mustering a small smile in return.

"Yeah, let's do this," he replied quietly, steeling himself for the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead.

Ein had remained unusually quiet throughout the morning, his thoughts a jumble of unease and uncertainty. He followed Aphmau from class to class, his silence stark in contrast to her lively interactions with friends and classmates. Aphmau occasionally glanced at him with concern, but Ein brushed off her attempts to engage him, retreating further into his thoughts.

...

As the bell rang for lunch, Ein felt a sense of relief wash over him. He needed a break from the stifling atmosphere of the classroom and the constant buzz of conversation around him. Without a word to Aphmau or their friends, he quietly slipped out of his classroom and headed towards the cafeteria.

The hallway was quieter now, most students already settled in their respective lunch spots or hurrying to catch up with friends. Ein walked with his gaze lowered, lost in his own thoughts, when a sudden commotion caught his attention.

Turning a corner, Ein saw a group of girls surrounding Aphmau and Kawaii~Chan near the lockers. Their voices were harsh and taunting, their body language aggressive as they closed in on the two girls.

"You think you're so cute, don't you?" one of the girls sneered, her tone dripping with malice. "Always hanging around Garroth and trying to steal him from us."

Aphmau's eyes widened in surprise and hurt, her attempts to reason with the girls falling on deaf ears. Kawaii~Chan stood beside her, looking equally dismayed by the sudden confrontation.

Ein's initial shock turned into a surge of protective instinct. Without hesitating, he quickened his pace and stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.

"Hey, leave them alone," Ein demanded, his tone firm and unwavering.

The girls turned to him, their expressions shifting from aggression to surprise at his sudden appearance. One of them smirked, eyeing Ein with disdain.

"What's it to you, loser?" Ivy retorted, her voice laced with contempt.

Ein clenched his fists, his resolve hardening.

"They're my friends," he replied defiantly, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. "So back the fuck off."

The girls exchanged glances, weighing their options before one of them scoffed.

"Fine, we'll leave for now. But this isn't over," Ivy threatened, shooting a final glare at Aphmau and Kawaii~Chan before walking away with her group.

Aphmau and Kawaii~Chan watched in stunned silence as the girls retreated, their tension slowly easing as Ein stood protectively beside them. Ein glanced at Aphmau, his expression softening with concern.

"Are you both okay?" he asked quietly, his voice filled with genuine worry.

Aphmau nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude.

   "Yeah, thanks Ein," she replied, her voice wavering slightly. "I didn't expect..."

Ein shook his head, cutting her off gently. "It's okay. I've got your back."

Kawaii~Chan stepped forward, "Thank you, Ein-kun. We appreciate your help."

Ein shifted uncomfortably, his usual reserved demeanor manifesting in his response.

   "Um, yeah, no problem," he mumbled softly, his gaze darting around nervously. He wasn't used to confronting people and defending those in need, let alone thanked for it. Despite his awkwardness, he stood a little taller, silently guarding Aphmau and Kawaii~Chan with a determined expression, sending silent warnings to anyone who dared to approach them with ill intent.

As Ein stood guard beside Aphmau and Kawaii~Chan, a peculiar sensation crept over him—a prickling at the back of his neck as if someone's eyes bore into his back. He glanced around discreetly, trying to pinpoint the source of the feeling. The bustling school courtyard seemed normal enough, filled with students chatting and moving between classes.

Yet, no matter where he looked, Ein couldn't shake the eerie sensation that someone was observing him with intent. It made him uneasy, prompting him to subtly shift his position to better survey the surroundings, all the while keeping a protective watch over his friends.

Ein's heightened sense of vigilance was abruptly interrupted by the playful banter drifting from across the courtyard. Laurence and Garroth, charismatic as ever, were engaged in a light-hearted exchange with Aphmau, their teasing tones carrying through the air.

"Aphmau, you're looking radiant today," Laurence remarked with a charming grin, his silver eyes sparkling mischievously.

Garroth chuckled, adding, "Yeah, Aphmau, did you do something different with your hair? It looks great."

Aphmau blushed at the attention, her laughter ringing out in response to their antics.

"Stop it, you two! You're embarrassing me," she protested playfully, though the smile on her face betrayed her amusement.

Ein blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden shift in atmosphere. He watched as Aphmau interacted with Laurence and Garroth, their easy camaraderie contrasting sharply with the tension he had felt just moments ago. Gradually, the unease that had gripped him began to ebb away, replaced by a sense of relief as he realized there was no imminent threat.

Shaking his head slightly to clear his thoughts, Ein refocused on the present moment. He relaxed his posture, allowing himself to blend back into the background, content to watch over Aphmau from a distance as she enjoyed the company of her friends.

As Aphmau and her friends strolled through the courtyard of Phoenix Drop High, they noticed a growing crowd gathered in a circle near the edge of the courtyard. Curious chatter and excited whispers filled the air, drawing their attention.

"What's going on over there?" Aphmau wondered aloud, her curiosity piqued as she glanced at Ein and Kawaii~Chan.

Kawaii~Chan shrugged, her eyes widening with curiosity. "I don't know, but it looks like a lot of people are watching something."

Ein hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowing with concern as he scanned the crowd. He recognized the intense energy that often accompanied such gatherings—a sign that something out of the ordinary was unfolding.

"Let's go check it out," Garroth suggested, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Aphmau nodded eagerly, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Alright, but let's be careful!"

The group made their way through the throng of students, eventually reaching the inner circle where the crowd had gathered. Peering through the gaps between students, they caught sight of two werewolves engaged in a heated confrontation.

The werewolves, their forms towering and muscles taut with tension, circled each other in the center of the courtyard. Their growls echoed faintly over the murmurs of the onlookers, adding to the charged atmosphere.

"Whoa," Garroth murmured, his eyes widening with a mixture of fascination and concern. "I've never seen werewolves fight before."

Aphmau glanced around, noticing the mix of excitement and apprehension on the faces of the students around them. Some cheered and shouted encouragement, while others watched with bated breath, their expressions a blend of anticipation and unease.

Ein's gaze remained fixed on the unfolding scene, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. He knew firsthand the dangers of escalating conflicts, yet the primal energy of the fight stirred something within him—a mix of concern for the safety of those involved and a growing determination to intervene if necessary.

As Ein watched the intense confrontation between the two werewolves, his initial hesitation gave way to a firm resolve. The primal energy in the air, coupled with the unease spreading among the spectators, reinforced his decision. He couldn't stand by and risk the situation spiraling out of control.

Without another moment's hesitation, Ein stepped forward, pushing through the crowd with purpose. His jaw set in determination, he moved closer to the center of the courtyard where the werewolves circled each other, their growls growing louder.

Aphmau, sensing Ein's intention, followed closely behind, her expression a mix of concern and support. She trusted Ein's judgment but remained ready to assist if needed.

As Ein approached, his presence caught the attention of both werewolves and the crowd alike. The tension in the air seemed to intensify for a brief moment as all eyes turned toward him.

"Hey!" Ein's voice rang out, firm and commanding, cutting through the growls and murmurs. "Enough! Break it up!"

Aphmau stepped up beside Ein, her presence reinforcing his stance.

"That's enough," she added firmly, her voice carrying a tone of authority despite her petite frame.

Reluctantly, the werewolves broke apart, their eyes still locked on each other but their hostility subdued. The crowd, sensing the imminent resolution, let out a collective sigh of relief.

Ein glanced around, his chest tightening with a mixture of relief and lingering tension. He had acted on instinct, driven by a sense of responsibility to prevent further escalation. As the courtyard gradually returned to normalcy, he exchanged a brief nod with Aphmau, silently acknowledging their shared relief that the situation had been defused.

As Ein and Aphmau stood amidst the gradually  dispersing crowd, a stern voice cut through the lingering tension in the courtyard. It was Ms. Meriweather, the no-nonsense teacher known for her strict disciplinary measures.

"Ein, Aphmau," she called out, striding purposefully toward them. "What's going on here?"

Ein glanced at Aphmau, his heart sinking as he realized the repercussions of their intervention. He opened his mouth to explain, but Ms. Meriweather's expression left little room for justification.

"Detention," she stated firmly, her gaze unwavering. "Both of you. Fighting is not tolerated at Phoenix Drop High, regardless of the circumstances."

Aphmau's shoulders slumped slightly, her disappointment evident. "But Ms. Meriweather, we were just trying to—"

"No excuses," Ms. Meriweather interrupted, her tone final. "You should have alerted a teacher immediately instead of getting involved yourselves."

Ein nodded silently, accepting the consequence of his actions. He knew Ms. Meriweather was right, even if his intentions had been to prevent harm rather than cause it.

"Report to detention after school," Ms. Meriweather instructed, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. "And no arguments."

With a resigned sigh, Ein and Aphmau exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging their shared predicament. As Ms. Meriweather turned to address the remaining students and disperse the crowd, Ein felt a weight settle in his chest. Despite his best intentions, his first intervention at Phoenix Drop High had resulted in detention—an unexpected lesson in the complexities of school dynamics and the consequences of his actions.

After the final bell rang, signaling the end of another school day at Phoenix Drop High, Ein and Aphmau found themselves heading reluctantly towards the detention room. The hallways, bustling just moments ago with students eager to leave, now seemed deserted as they walked in silence, their footsteps echoing softly against the linoleum floors.

Ein's mind was still racing with the events of the day—the fight he had intervened in, the mixed reactions from their peers, and now, the looming prospect of detention. He glanced at Aphmau beside him, noting the worried furrow of her brow and the slight frown tugging at her lips.

"Aph, I'm sorry you got dragged into this," Ein murmured quietly, his tone filled with regret. He knew she had only come to watch, unaware that things would escalate into a full-blown fight.

Aphmau sighed softly, shaking her head.

   "It's okay, Ein. We both made the choice to step in. I just hope detention isn't too harsh," she replied, her voice tinged with concern.

As they reached the detention room door, Ein hesitated for a moment before pushing it open. The room was dimly lit and sparsely furnished, with rows of desks arranged neatly facing the front. At the far end of the room, sitting quietly among a group of students, Ein noticed a familiar figure—the mysterious guy from their werewolf class.

His presence sent a ripple of unease through Ein, stirring memories of their brief encounter on the first day of school. The guy glanced up briefly, meeting Ein's gaze with a scowl before returning his attention to the front of the room.

Ein frowned, unsure of what to make of the situation. What was this guy doing in detention? And why did his presence seem to unsettle him so deeply?

Aphmau nudged Ein gently, drawing him out of his thoughts.

"Come on, let's find a seat," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nodding silently, Ein followed Aphmau to an empty desk near the back of the room. They settled in quietly, exchanging uncertain glances as they waited for detention to begin.

As the minutes ticked by, Ein's mind continued to race with unanswered questions. What would detention entail? And more importantly, why the hell was that weirdo in detention with them?

Before he could dwell on it further, the detention supervisor entered the room—a stern-faced teacher known for his no-nonsense approach to discipline. He began to outline the rules for detention, his voice firm and authoritative.

Ein glanced around the room, noting the mix of students from different grades and backgrounds. Some looked resigned, while others seemed defiant or sullen. The atmosphere was tense, charged with an undercurrent of dissatisfaction and restlessness.

Beside him, Aphmau shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers nervously tapping against the desk. Ein reached out subtly, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. She looked at him gratefully, her eyes reflecting a mix of apprehension and determination to get through this ordeal together.

As detention commenced, Ein found himself steeling his resolve. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he had to stay focused and keep a low profile. And as for the mysterious guy from werewolf class—he couldn't shake the feeling that their paths would cross again, perhaps sooner than he expected.

...

As Ein and Aphmau arrived home later that afternoon, their footsteps heavy with the weight of the day's events, they were met with a tense atmosphere. Sylvanna, waiting in the living room, greeted them with a stern expression as they entered.

"Ein, Aphmau," she began, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I received a call from the school about what happened today. Care to explain?"

Ein shifted uncomfortably under Sylvannas gaze, his mind racing to find the right words.

"We... got involved in a fight," he admitted reluctantly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aphmau glanced at Ein, her expression apologetic.

"Mom, it wasn't our fault. We were just trying to help," she interjected, her voice tinged with defensiveness.

Sylvanna's expression softened slightly, though her disapproval remained evident.

   "I understand you wanted to help, but getting into fights is not the solution, Ein, Aphmau," she chided gently. "There are better ways to handle conflicts."

Ein nodded silently, feeling a pang of guilt for causing her worry.

   "I'm sorry," he muttered, his gaze dropping to the floor.

Sylvanna sighed, her disappointment palpable.

"I expect better from both of you," she said firmly. "You're both capable of making good choices. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment."

Aphmau nodded earnestly, her eyes filled with remorse.

"We won't let it happen again, Mom," she promised sincerely.

Sylvanna regarded them both for a moment before nodding. "Good. Now, go to your rooms and think about what happened today. We'll talk more about this later."

Ein and Aphmau nodded silently, their shoulders slumped with guilt as they headed to their respective rooms. Sylvanna watched them go, her heart heavy with concern for her children's well-being.