Sakura and Kaito sat in his living room, their conversation flowing easily.
"I promise to trust you, Kaito," Sakura said.
Kaito's eyes softened. "Thank you, Sakura. That means everything."
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Kaito said.
As Kaito opened the door, two burly men sneered at Sakura.
"Well, well, well. Look what we have here," one of them jeered.
Sakura recognized them - Taro's henchmen.
"Kaito, who are they?" Sakura asked.
Kaito's expression darkened. "Leave her alone."
The men snickered.
"Oh, Kaito's defending his girlfriend," the other man taunted.
One of them stepped forward, his hand grasping Sakura's arm.
"Let's teach her a lesson," he sneered.
Kaito's eyes blazed.
"Warning: back off," Kaito growled.
But the men didn't listen.
With a swift movement, Kaito stepped between Sakura and the men.
"Don't touch her," Kaito snarled.
The men laughed.
"Oh, you think you're tough?" one of them mocked.
Kaito's fists clenched.
"You shouldn't have come here," Kaito said.
In a flash, Kaito's fist connected with the first man's jaw.
The second man swung at Kaito, but Kaito dodged.
Kaito landed a series of swift punches, sending the men stumbling.
"Leave now," Kaito warned.
The men retreated, their tails between their legs.
Sakura's eyes widened.
"Kaito...thank you," Sakura breathed.
Kaito's chest heaved.
"I'll always protect you, Sakura," Kaito vowed.
Sakura's heart swelled.
As Kaito's eyes locked onto hers, Sakura felt safe.
After the intense fight, Kaito swiftly called the police to report the incident, ensuring the bullies faced consequences.
"Hello, emergency? Two men just attacked Sakura and me. They're heading east on Main Street," Kaito reported, providing vital information.
The operator assured Kaito that officers would arrive promptly.
Meanwhile, Sakura's concern shifted to Kaito's well-being.
"Kaito, you're hurt!" Sakura exclaimed, noticing blood seeping from a gash on his forehead and his swollen lip.
Kaito downplayed his injuries.
"I'm fine," Kaito reassured, but Sakura's worry deepened.
"We need to get you to the hospital," Sakura insisted, recognizing the severity of Kaito's injuries.
Kaito nodded, wincing in pain.
With Sakura's support, Kaito stumbled toward her car.
As they drove to the hospital, Sakura's anxiety escalated.
"What if those men come back?" Sakura worried, fearing potential retaliation.
Kaito's hand wrapped around hers.
"I'll always protect you, Sakura," Kaito promised.
At the hospital, Sakura rushed Kaito to the emergency room.
The nurse quickly attended to Kaito's wounds.
"You're lucky," the nurse said. "Just a few stitches, and you'll be fine."
As the doctor stitched Kaito's forehead, Sakura held his hand.
"I'm sorry," Kaito whispered.
Sakura's eyes locked onto his.
"For what?" Sakura asked.
"For not protecting myself better," Kaito admitted.
Sakura's grip tightened.
"You protected me," Sakura said. "That's all that matters."
The doctor finished the stitches and prescribed pain medication.
As they left the hospital, Sakura drove Kaito home.
"I'll stay with you tonight," Sakura decided.
Kaito's eyes softened.
"Thank you, Sakura," Kaito said.
Just then, Sakura's phone buzzed.
A text from an unknown number:
"You're next."
Sakura's heart skipped a beat.
"Kaito, look," Sakura showed him the message.
Kaito's expression darkened.
"I won't let anyone hurt you," Kaito vowed.
This ominous message raised the stakes.
Would Sakura and Kaito uncover the sender's identity?
Would they face more danger?