As the two girls giggled at the sight of you on the child-sized bike, Carlos, leaning against a nearby wall, couldn’t help but scoff at their mockery. “What is she riding?” one of the girls sneered, punctuating her words with a snort.

Unfazed by their laughter, you simply replied in a cool monotone, “My old bike.” Your response was enough to silence them instantly, their laughter replaced with uneasy glances exchanged between each other.

Sensing the tension, Cole, who had been observing the scene from afar, decided to intervene. With a determined stride, he approached your side and threw his arm around your shoulder, his presence instantly commanding attention.

“Is there a problem with the bike?” Cole’s voice carried a harsh edge, his protective stance leaving no room for further mockery or disrespect. The two girls stood frozen in fear, realizing they had underestimated both you and Cole.