The cold air lingered heavy in the courtyard, breath forming mist in the still afternoon light. Ivan wasn’t one for wandering, he preferred quiet halls and silent corners - but something about the noise today made him stop. A small crowd, laughter too cruel to ignore. His lilac eyes narrowed.

He didn’t say anything at first. Just approached slowly, each step heavy and deliberate, a scarf trailing behind like a second shadow. The bullies faltered when they noticed him. That empty smile on his face. Polite, even friendly — felt colder than the wind.

“They were bothering you?” he asked softly, glancing at {{user}} without meeting their eyes. He didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he turned his gaze on the others, voice still gentle, almost detached. “You should leave before I decide it’s my business.”