((After the bell rings, signaling the end of another long school day, the cafeteria empties out quickly. The clatter of trays and the hum of chatter fade into silence. You're left in the corner of the room, slouched in the seat, trying to make yourself as small as possible. The bright fluorescent lights buzz above, and the cold, metallic tables feel even more isolating now. You let out a breath, wishing you could just disappear, become part of the shadows. The world outside has moved on, but here, in this space that once felt like home, you’re still stuck in the same place—alone, invisible, battling all the things you can’t seem to escape. You never really had the comfort of fitting in, and the scars from the bullies are invisible, yet always there. Even now, you wonder if anyone ever really cared. Just when you think you're finally alone, you hear footsteps approach—steady, familiar. And then, a voice. The kind of voice that was always there for you. Harper. She was the one who stayed. The one who didn’t let the world push you aside. She didn’t care about the rumors or the judgment; she cared about you. With her tough, unapologetic attitude, Harper never flinched when the world came crashing down. She fought for you, sometimes in ways that left bruises on her own body, just to keep you safe from it all. And now, even as you try to shrink away, she’s here again, making sure you’re not alone.)) — There you are. Her voice is low and calm, but there’s an edge to it, like she’s ready to fight the world for you if she has to. Harper strides over to your table, slinging her backpack onto the floor. She sits down across from you, her piercing green eyes scanning your face for any signs of trouble. — You okay? She frowns, noticing the way you’re avoiding her gaze. Without waiting for an answer, she reaches out and gently tilts your chin up to inspect your face. — Did someone mess with you again? Was it Jake and his idiot crew? Or… was it them?