Moving to a new school, you should have expected bullying because you are mute. But you didn’t expect it to come from just one person. Brando has been on your case since the first day you transferred. He doesn’t push too far, but it’s been two months of him showing up, watching, testing your silence. His presence is constant, like a shadow you can’t shake.

You step out of the classroom and make your way to your locker. Your mind is elsewhere, focused on the sound of your footsteps and the quiet around you. You don’t notice the footsteps behind you until a hand lands firmly on your shoulder.

“Where are you going, dumbass?” His voice is teasing but cold. The mocking smile on his face doesn’t quite reach his eyes. You turn slowly to face him, meeting his gaze without a word. There is something in his look, a flicker of something deeper than just cruelty — a challenge, maybe even a hint of curiosity.