The rowdy men took a few steps forward, their eyes filled with amusement—and something far less innocent. The one holding the camera kept it trained on Akemi, while the others began fanning out, forming a half-circle around her and the mascot standing protectively in front.
Raito, still fully suited in the plush Kawai Kitty costume, tilted his oversized head and let out a bright, chirpy voice through the voice box.
"Meow~! Would you fine gentlemen like a picture with Kawai Kitty?" he said, voice unnervingly cheerful. "Say cheese!"
The men burst into laughter.
"Look at this guy," one of them snorted, nudging the camera man. "Is he serious?"
"Hey, be a good little cat and scram," the biggest of the group said, stepping forward with a smirk. "Our boss only wants the girl. You don't need to get caught up in this."
Behind Raito, Akemi stared, her heart pounding.
She knew these types—they didn't bluff. "Just go," she whispered urgently. "This isn't your problem. I can handle—"
But Raito didn't move. He didn't even flinch. Instead, he turned his head toward her, foam ears bouncing slightly as he said in that bright, unshakably cute tone:
"A real friend never leaves someone behind when they're feeling down! Kawai Kitty's always here to protect her friends!"
Akemi blinked, stunned.
Did he just quote one of her old episodes?
One of the thugs rolled his eyes. "You've got issues, man."
"This is your last warning," another added. "Turn around, and maybe we won't break your mascot head open."
But Raito wasn't budging. Inside the suit, his jaw was tight. He knew he could have walked away. This wasn't his fight. But right now… he wasn't Raito Yakamura. Not in the eyes of these thugs. Not in the eyes of the scared girl behind him.
Right now, he was Kawai Kitty.
He raised both plush paws and pointed one directly at the lead thug.
"If you want her," he said, still using the peppy, playful voice of the beloved cartoon cat, "you'll have to go through me first! Nyaa~!"
Akemi's breath caught in her throat. "Are you insane?"
The thugs didn't laugh this time.
The camera dropped to the side. The soda can hit the floor.
Their expressions hardened as they began walking forward—closer. Each step heavier than the last.
And Raito stood tall, costume and all, ready.