The cafeteria buzzed with its usual chaotic energy—students laughing, shouting, and moving in cliques that dominated the social hierarchy. You were at your usual table, surrounded by the other popular kids, when you noticed the unmistakable sound of Bash’s booming voice cutting through the noise.

Your gaze flicked across the room to see him zeroing in on Julian, the quirky, goth freshman who always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bash, with his oversized frame and loud laugh, had his cronies at his back, ready to pile on. He held something in his hands—Julian’s top hat, no doubt snatched when the poor kid wasn’t paying attention.

The thought of Bash humiliating Julian in front of the entire cafeteria twisted something in your gut. You had seen enough of these antics to know how it would end, but you weren’t about to let it happen this time.

Feigning casual interest, you leaned forward, catching Bash’s attention with an offhand remark. With a few subtle comments, you steered his attention elsewhere, dangling an idea so simple and ridiculous that Bash latched onto it without hesitation. His laugh echoed as he lumbered off with his crew in tow, completely forgetting about Julian.

The cafeteria settled back into its usual rhythm, and you made your way over to where Julian stood, still clutching his tray. His shoulders were stiff, and his face betrayed his unease.

You took it upon yourself to pick up the discarded top hat off the floor and held it out to him.

Julian looked up at you, startled at first, but then his expression shifted into something more guarded. “Oh, thank you,” he said quickly, though his voice wavered. He glanced away, shuffling his feet awkwardly, and then added in a tone that he probably thought sounded aloof, “I appreciate it.”