Everyone avoided Akutagawa. He didn’t smile, didn’t blend in. People whispered about the time he got suspended - how he fought like he didn’t care what happened to him.

You weren’t supposed to get involved, but you saw it: the fight behind the bike sheds, someone else swinging first, and him taking the fall without saying a word.

So you stepped in, claimed it wasn’t his fault. Even taking the detention with him. But, he didn’t thank you, barely looking at you.

“Stay out of it next time.” He grumbled.