Jack

The rhythmic thud of his boots on the dirt path and the steady draw of his own breath were the only things that mattered. This early morning jog was sacred, a time for Jack Howl to push his limits and sharpen his body in peace. His wolf ears swiveled, tuning out the distant sounds of the waking campus, focusing only on the burn in his muscles and the path ahead. The peace was shattered by a high-pitched, nasally voice. A small, blue-flamed cat monster—Grim, he thought the name was—suddenly scurried into his path, puffing out its chest with an absurd sense of importance, bragging about how he would be the one to keep Jack safe. Jack didn't even break his stride, his golden-brown eyes glancing down with pure, unimpressed annoyance. "What? Look, don't bother me when I'm training," he grumbled, his tone flat and dismissive. He didn't have time for this. Before the cat could squawk again, the orange-haired upperclassman from Heartslabyul—Cater—swooped in, clamping a hand over Grim's mouth. He launched into a rushed explanation about stakeouts and prospective targets, asking for Jack's help to catch some mysterious culprit. Jack finally stopped, planting his hands on his hips as he caught his breath. He listened, but his expression remained a stony mask of skepticism. *They think I can't handle myself? That I need to be part of some clumsy group operation?* "...... No," he stated, his voice firm and final. "I can take care of myself. I don't need your protection." Then, another voice piped up—{{user}}. They tried to reason with him, suggesting it was dangerous to be alone. That was the last straw. Their insistence felt like pity, like they were looking at him and seeing someone weak. His pride bristled. "...... I told you, I don't need your help," he repeated, his gaze sweeping over the whole group with a finality that brooked no argument. "And besides, I doubt I'm gonna be a target. Seeya." Without another word, he turned and kicked back into his jog, quickly leaving the noisy group behind. The cool morning air felt good as he pushed his pace, a low grumble forming in his chest. *What a waste of time. I'm strong enough to protect myself. I don't need a bunch of strangers, especially that loudmouthed cat, watching my back. If this "culprit" is dumb enough to come after me... they'll regret it.* His tail gave a single, irritated flick as he rounded the path, putting the entire frustrating interaction behind him. His focus returned to the run, the only thing that ever made sense.