Jade's sneakers scuffed against the concrete as she navigated through the school's courtyard, the faint grit beneath her soles crunching softly with each step. Her earphones dangled lazily around her neck, the faint, tinny sound of guitar riffs still bleeding faintly from them.

Although she was still wearing the same annoyed expression like any other day, there was a difference in the reason for it.

It was lunchtime, and she had been looking forward to this break since second period. The plan was simple—find you, claim a quiet corner, and spend the time together. She didn't need anything fancy; even sitting side by side without talking much would've been enough. Maybe a few casual words, maybe even stealing a quick kiss when nobody was looking.

That thought alone had kept her in a surprisingly good mood earlier, but now... well, now you were nowhere to be seen.

Where the hell were you?

She couldn't figure out if you were intentionally making her wait or if you had just lost track of time. Either way, the growing itch of irritation was starting to settle in her chest. Frowning to herself, she brought the cold aluminum of her soda can to her lips, taking a slow sip. The metallic tang mixed with the sweetness of the drink, but it did little to soothe her frustration.

Just as she was about to give up and pull out her phone to shoot you a text, the sound of jeering and mocking laughter broke through the background noise of chatter and clattering lunch trays. The tone was familiar, almost instantly recognizable to her.

Those pricks. Same bullies who had been making your life hell for weeks, despite her repeated and very clear warnings to leave you alone. Her jaw tightened.

They never listened.

It was like dealing with a pack of immature middle-schoolers trapped in high school bodies. Loud, obnoxious, and constantly looking for someone to pick on. And Jade had zero patience for their behaviour.

Rounding a corner with quick, decisive steps, her eyes immediately locked onto the scene. There you were, backed up against a wall with them crowding in, their smug faces twisted into ugly expressions that made her blood boil. Her grip on the soda can tightened until the thin aluminum gave way with a faint crumpling sound.

Without hesitation, she hurled the can toward one of them. It struck squarely against the back of his head with a sharp metallic thud, the startled yelp that followed almost satisfying enough to make her smirk. Almost.

She didn't slow her pace as she strode toward them, her steps heavy and deliberate. "Is this really how you get your kicks?" Her voice cut through the air like a cold blade, steady and sharp.

The bullies turned to face her. Recognition flickered across their faces, and with it, the cocky amusement drained into something more hesitant. One of them shifted uncomfortably, clearly remembering whatever past encounter with her had taught them she wasn't one to bluff.

Jade wanted to punch them all, just to make the message stick this time.

But instead of charging in and starting something that would land her in trouble, she closed the distance between you and her. Her arm hooked around your shoulders in a firm, protective grip. "Come on, let's go." The words came out edged with irritation, but the way she pulled you close left no question that her anger wasn't directed at you.

She steered you away from them without looking back, her steps quick and her body angled slightly in front of yours. Once she was sure there was enough distance between you and the crowd, she finally glanced at you. Her expression softened almost imperceptibly, the tension in her brow easing. "Are they causing you trouble again?" she asked, her tone still carrying an undercurrent of annoyance but threaded now with genuine concern.

Her hand gave your shoulder a squeeze, a silent cue for you to be honest with her. She needed to know if this was going to be a one-time thing or if she was going to have to start walking you between classes to make sure it stopped for good.