Chapter "True Friends Are Treasure"

Sheryl's realization washed over her in an instant, her cheeks flushed crimson as she quickly retrieved the spoon, "I'm really sorry." She murmured.

Hamlyn's eyes remained locked on Sheryl's as he boldly reached out, gently clasping her wrist and guiding her hand to feed him the pudding.

As he tasted the pudding from the spoon she held, "Absolutely delicious." Hamlyn remarked with a smile,

Sheryl's cheeks reddened as she stared at Hamlyn, her eyes wide with surprise.

Hamlyn's friends looked on in disbelief, their eyes widening and jaws dropping in a blend of joy and astonishment evident in their expressions.

"Hey, why don't you two just tie the knot already?" Hamond chimed in with a mischievous smile.

"Oh, no, it's not like that," Sheryl quickly interjected, cheeks turning red.

Hamlyn chuckled lightly, unruffled, and focused on his meal. Laughter bubbled around them as they returned to lunch, letting the comment fade into the background…..

After their meal, the group emerged from the restaurant. Hamlyn and Sheryl walked out side by side, her cheeks still colored with a hint of shyness.

"Hey Sheryl, everything okay?" Hamlyn asked gently.

"I hope I didn't overstep any boundaries," Sheryl hesitated.

"Not at all, I actually liked it," Hamlyn reassured with a smile. Their eyes locked, silently sharing an understanding.

"So, what's the plan now?" Fredy asked enthusiastically.

"It's time to hit the bowling alley!" declared Hamond.

Everyone smiles and they all set off on foot towards the bowling alley.

Amidst their laughter and enjoyment, a jeep abruptly approached from behind, swerving dangerously close to Ruby before coming to a stop in front of them, blocking their path and disrupting the moment. Startled, their expressions shifted from delight to shock, halting them in their tracks.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" Henry's voice rose above the commotion, his tone sharp with disbelief.

Six boys emerged from the jeep, one brandishing a baseball bat, who menacingly pointed a baseball bat towards Hamlyn, declaring, "Your time is up."

A collective gasp filled the air as everyone's eyes widened in disbelief and confusion.

With swift reflexes, Hamlyn stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Sheryl, sheltering her with his body. "Stay right behind me," he urged, his voice steady and protective.

"What's going on? Who are you?" Fredy's voice sliced through the tension, his shout directed at the boys.

A tense silence hung in the air as one of the boys fixed his gaze at Hamlyn, brandishing his baseball bat. "You're that Little Hasegawa, aren't you?" he accused.

Unfazed, Hamlyn nodded decisively, his composure unchanged.

"Then you our death will only be because you're a Hasegawa," the boy declared, his voice dripping with venom.

With unwavering resolve, Henry positioned himself courageously in front of Hamlyn, acting as a staunch barrier. "I won't let you touch him," he declared firmly.

Beside him, Hamond stood steadfastly with Henry, his voice resolute. "Hamlyn isn't facing this alone," he asserted confidently.

Fredy, his voice brimming with righteous anger, boldly stepped forward to stand beside Henry. "You've picked the wrong guys to mess with," he declared firmly, his warning stern. "We won't hesitate to fight back.”

“Guys, step back. What are you doing?" Hamlyn urgently whispered in a low voice.

Hamond turned to Hamlyn, his smile reassuring. "We've got your back all the way, mate. Count on us," he affirmed, his commitment unwavering.

Henry turned to Hamlyn, his eyes filled with warmth as he spoke softly, "We might not have the best fighting skills, but our friendship is what truly counts." His voice was soft but determined. "Your safety is our priority, and we'll go to any lengths to protect you.”

"Yeah and Make sure to stay back, you're not fully healed yet. We'll handle things and keep everyone safe," Fredy stated firmly, his voice reflecting his unwavering determination.

Hamond, Henry, and Fredy shift their focus to the boys as they assume defensive stances, ready for whatever comes next. Meanwhile, Hamlyn offers a reassuring smile, her demeanor calm amidst the brewing conflict.

In a moment of care, Sheryl gently placed her hand on Hamlyn's shoulder, her voice carrying a tone of worry. "Hamlyn, you're still recovering. It's best not to engage in this. Let's find some other way, please," she urged softly, her concern evident in her words.

Hamlyn exchanged a tender smile with Sheryl, acknowledging her concern and kindness with gratitude in her eyes.

As the atmosphere grew tense, a smirk danced on one of the boys' lips. "Seems like it's just three of you against us," he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance. With mocking grins, the boys displayed an assortment of weapons: baseball bats, hockey sticks, and even chains.

"Uh-oh, this is dangerous," Fredy's voice rang out in alarm.

"We must stand our ground; fighting is our only option," declared Henry, his resolve unwavering.

"But let's make sure no one dies," Hamond added with a solemn tone.

"You've got this, Hamond! Show them what you're made of!" encouraged Rurina, her voice echoing with support.

"Absolutely! You can't lose to these jerks," chimed in Ruby enthusiastically, adding to the encouragement.

"They're coming for me. I have to step up, but I'll come back, I promise. Don't worry," Hamlyn assured Sheryl, gently removing her hand from his shoulder. Sheryl's concern was palpable as she glanced at him with worry.

Hamlyn firmly grasped Henry and Hamond's shoulders, guiding them to the side as he positioned himself among his friends.

"Okay, guys," Hamlyn declared with determination, "It's time to end this."

"Are you certain you're up for fighting with your arm like that?" Henry inquired, his concern evident in his tone.

With a determined smile, Hamlyn assumed a fighting stance. "Let's find out together," he said, his confidence evident.

"Yeah! Let's show them what we got!" exclaimed Fredy with enthusiasm, buoying the group's spirits as they shared a collective smile.

"Stay close and prioritize protecting the girls no matter what," Henry suggested strategically.

Mocking laughter erupted from the boys. "You don't stand a chance against us. We've got more firepower than you can handle," one of them taunted arrogantly.

With authority, one of the members bellowed, “Go on, and bring that little Hasegawa to me!”

That member of the group broke into a sprint, brandishing a hockey stick as he advanced towards Hamlyn and his friends.

Hamlyn and his friends appeared ready for action. As the gang member closed in, he lunged forward, swinging his bat towards Hamlyn, who remained steadfast and focused.

Unexpectedly, a boy bolted towards them, delivering a powerful kick on that member's face that sent the approaching gang member careening through the air, crashing violently to the ground.

The sudden intervention left both the other gang members and Hamlyn's squad in a state of stunned disbelief,

"Yeaah, the big Hasegawa is here!" Fredy exclaimed enthusiastically and loudly.

Ullmar had just arrived, positioning himself in front of Hamlyn while facing the boys,

"Who's this tough guy?" Henry asked curiously.

"That's Hamlyn's older brother," Fredy promptly responded.

All eyes turned to Hamlyn, who softly muttered, "Ullmar?”

"Stay behind!" Ullmar calmly whispers as those boys screamed and started charging towards him.

Despite the boy's charging approach, Ullmar didn't hesitate. He surged forward, meeting their aggression with remarkable skill. Swift and precise, he dismantled their attack effortlessly,

Amidst the chaos, Hamlyn's group watched in awe as Ullmar was effortlessly taking down the attackers.

"Is he trained in boxing or something?" Henry asked, impressed.

"Yeah, We both grew up training in martial arts, and he's also a boxing champion,” Hamlyn disclosed.

Surprised, Hamond inquired, "You know martial arts as well?" Hamlyn simply nodded in affirmation.

Ullmar defeated all six boys in just a few minutes, leaving them grounded.

Ullmar pivoted and approached Hamlyn, coming to a stop just inches away. "Are you alright?" he inquired, locking eyes with Hamlyn.

"Yeah, I'm alright. But what are you doing here?" Hamlyn inquired.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar girl dashed towards Ullmar, calling out his name. All eyes shifted to her as she swiftly positioned herself next to Ullmar.

"Ullmar, are you okay?" she asked anxiously.

All eyes fixed on her, Ullmar angrily shouts, "I told you to stay out of sight. Why did you show up?"

"I was worried about you. Are you injured?" she retorted.

"You can see for yourself; I'm fine," Ullmar replied sternly.

"Who are you?" curious, Hamlyn questioned the girl.

"I'm Yume, his girlfriend,” she introduced herself.

The group collectively gasped as Hamlyn's eyes widened.

"Let's discuss everything over coffee," proposed Ullmar, breaking the silence.

Hamlyn nodded in agreement, and then Ullmar and Yume began to walk ahead.

Following Ullmar and Yume's lead, Hamlyn and his friends made their way to the nearest coffee shop.

Upon arriving, they settled into their seats, ready to delve into the conversation.

Ullmar presented the girl, stating, "This is Yume. We've been together for two years now” He shifted his gaze at Yume “And Yume, He is Hamlyn." he said

“Hello. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Ullmar has spoken a lot about you," Yume extended a warm greeting to Hamlyn.

"I'm also very glad to meet you," Hamlyn responded with a smile. "This is Hamond, Henry, Fredy, and over there are Rurina, Ruby, and Sheryl. We're all friends and classmates,” he introduced, gesturing towards his companions.

Turning to Sheryl with a warm smile, Ullmar expressed, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Hamlyn often speaks highly of you." His words prompted a slight flush to Sheryl's cheeks.

"Hey there, brother," Hamlyn grinned, interjecting.

"It's great to meet you too," chimed in Sheryl.

"Feel free to call me 'brother,'" Ullmar extended a fraternal invitation to Sheryl. "And if Hamlyn ever does anything foolish, then just let me know."

Sheryl responded with a smile and a nod of agreement.

"Alright, brother, spill it. Why do you seem to have a legion of enemies? What do they want?" Hamlyn's curiosity piqued as he fixed his gaze on Ullmar.

Ullmar met Hamlyn's gaze squarely before replying, "Okay, I guess I have to tell you everything now.”