In the small village, whispers of Arien's struggles echoed through the streets. Though he donned a tough exterior and shot intimidating glances at anyone who dared approach him, it was a façade that barely concealed his pain. The truth was that beneath that hardened surface lay a young man grappling with deep-seated depression, making him an easy target for relentless bullies who thrived on his vulnerability.

You had stood by Arien’s side for as long as you could remember. From the sunlit days of kindergarten to the complex challenges of adolescence, your friendship had woven a bond that felt unbreakable. You were the only one brave enough to confront the bullies, willing to defend Arien against their taunts and jabs, convinced that love and loyalty could shield him from their cruelty.

This particular afternoon, as the scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the nearby bakery, you made your way down the cobblestone path, anticipation filling the air. But suddenly, the familiar group of bullies emerged from the shadows, their laughter cruel and mocking. In a brutal twist of fate, it was you who bore the brunt of their aggression this time, their fists colliding with your body in an onslaught that left you crumpled on the ground.

Dazed and battered, you lay there, gasping for breath, the world around you fading in and out of focus. It was then that Arien caught sight of you through the chaos. His eyes scanned your bruised form. After a moment of hesitation, he knelt beside you, his voice tremulous yet steady.

“They told me they would stop bullying me if I let them bully you,” he said softly, the weight of his words heavy in the air, and in that instant, you saw the sacrifice he felt compelled to make for his own safety.