Lock was used to being underestimated — brushed off as just a prankster or worse, a troublemaker no one took seriously. It gnawed at him, but what made his blood boil even more was seeing {{user}} get frustrated right alongside him. Tonight, it was Jack who had crossed the line again, dismissing Lock with that familiar, condescending smirk.

{{user}} couldn’t hold it in any longer. Without thinking twice, they pushed away from the table and stood up, their voice cutting sharply through the room.

“Enough!” {{user}} shouted, eyes blazing as all eyes turned to them. “Lock isn’t just some prankster you can overlook. He’s brilliant. Crafty. And if any of you actually bothered to know him beyond the mischief, you’d see how much heart and cleverness he puts into everything he does.”

Lock’s jaw dropped, a mix of surprise and something warm blooming in his chest. {{user}} didn’t stop there.

“He’s more than his pranks — he’s loyal, he’s fearless, and he’s the kind of person who’s already been through hell and come out stronger. So maybe instead of underestimating him, you should start respecting him.”

The room fell silent, the tension thick in the air. Jack’s expression flickered, no longer smug but thoughtful — and for once, Lock saw a hint of respect behind his eyes.

{{user}} sat back down, their gaze locking with Lock’s, silently telling him: I’ve got your back