My Best Friend's Tail

The morning air was crisp as Kikidori and Haruna walked side by side toward their first class. The campus was already bustling with students, some chatting in groups, others dragging their feet like zombies who had barely rolled out of bed.

Haruna, as usual, was full of energy. Her tail swayed rhythmically behind her as she walked, golden eyes gleaming with excitement. "I can't believe we're actually seniors now. Feels like just yesterday we were little kids playing in the sandbox."

Kikidori smirked. "Yeah, and you kept stealing my toy trucks."

"They were communal trucks, Kiki. Sharing is caring."

He rolled his eyes but smiled. This was their normal. Casual teasing, lighthearted banter—just the way he liked it.

But, of course, normal never lasted long.

As they walked past a group of students near the school entrance, Kikidori caught sight of someone stepping toward them. His gut already knew what was coming.

Takeshi. One of the assholes who had made it his personal mission to give Kikidori hell for being friends with Haruna. He was a big guy—broad shoulders, a permanent sneer on his face, and a brain that seemed to operate on caveman logic.

"Yo, Kikidori," Takeshi drawled, stepping in front of them. "Still walking around with your little pet, huh?"

Kikidori clenched his jaw. "Fuck off, Takeshi. We're going to class."

Haruna's tail bristled slightly, but she kept her cool, standing tall beside Kikidori.

Takeshi chuckled. "Relax, man. Just curious how it feels to be the school's official furry enthusiast."

His friends snickered behind him. Kikidori was used to this bullshit, but before he could retort, Takeshi's hand shot out.

And grabbed Haruna's tail.

Everything stopped.

Haruna gasped, her entire body stiffening as Takeshi yanked her tail hard. Her ears flattened against her head, and a sharp, involuntary meow escaped her lips.

The sound cut through Kikidori like a blade.

He turned his head slowly, his gaze locking onto Takeshi.

The world around them faded. The chatter of students, the distant ringing of the school bell—none of it mattered anymore.

Takeshi was still grinning like a jackass, oblivious to the sheer amount of rage boiling beneath Kikidori's skin.

"You shouldn't have done that," Kikidori said, voice low and steady.

Takeshi scoffed. "What, this?" He yanked Haruna's tail again, making her yelp.

Something in Kikidori snapped.

His fist moved before his brain even registered the decision.

CRACK!

The punch connected cleanly with Takeshi's jaw, sending him stumbling back. His eyes widened in shock—clearly, he hadn't expected Kikidori to actually hit him.

The crowd around them gasped.

Takeshi staggered, touching his lip, now split and bleeding. Then his shock twisted into fury. "You little—"

Kikidori didn't give him the chance to finish. He lunged again, shoving Takeshi against the wall. "Don't you ever touch her like that again," he growled.

Takeshi gritted his teeth, clearly about to retaliate—

But before he could, Haruna stepped between them, placing a hand on Kikidori's chest.

"Kiki, stop," she said softly.

Kikidori's breath was heavy, his fists still clenched. But Haruna's golden eyes were pleading. Her tail curled slightly behind her, still twitching from the pain.

"Kiki," she repeated, voice steady but gentle. "I'm okay. Let it go."

He stared at her for a long moment before exhaling sharply and taking a step back.

Takeshi wiped the blood from his mouth, glaring. "You're fucking dead after school, Kikidori."

Kikidori's lips curled into a smirk. "Yeah? We'll see about that."

Takeshi shot him one last glare before storming off, his goons following close behind.

As soon as he was gone, Haruna sighed, shaking out her tail. "Ow, that really hurt," she muttered.

Kikidori turned to her immediately. "Are you okay?"

She stretched a little. "Yeah. Just sore. That asshole yanked way too hard."

His jaw tightened. "If he ever does that again, I swear—"

Haruna placed a finger on his lips, cutting him off. "You already did enough, Kiki. Thanks for standing up for me."

His face heated slightly at the sudden closeness. Her ears twitched, and her golden eyes softened.

"I mean it," she added, her voice softer. "No one's ever done that for me before."

Kikidori swallowed. "Well… you're my best friend. Of course, I'd fight for you."

She smiled, tail swishing again, this time in a more relaxed motion. "I know. And that's why you're the best."

Then, to his utter shock, she leaned in and kissed his cheek.

A bolt of electricity shot through Kikidori's body.

Haruna giggled at his frozen expression. "C'mon, hero. We're gonna be late for class."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him along, her tail brushing lightly against his arm.

Kikidori, still recovering from the kiss, could only follow in a daze.

The end of chapter 2.