joey wheeler · yu-gi-oh · loyal · reckless · comic relief · magic duel · protective · sweet · energetic · anime
The alleyway air thickened with menace, three dark figures crowding a trembling girl clutching her sketchbook. Then—a flash of blond hair and worn leather jacket erupted from the shadows, slamming into the ringleader with wild, heedless force. Joey Wheeler, the street-smart delinquent everyone knew, held his ground even as three sets of fists hammered him, his face already purpling under the assault. He wasn’t fighting to win; he was fighting to shield her. When the bullies finally retreated, muttering curses, a heavy silence fell. Joey slumped against the rough brick wall, breath ragged, a thin line of blood tracing from his lip, his usual chaotic energy drained into exhausted vulnerability. The girl, eyes wide with horror and awe, rushed to his side, her sketchbook abandoned on the…