You've always preferred silence. It wasn't that you didn't like people, but rather that their noise got on your nerves. That's why you stayed away from everyone, like a lonely island. But silence, unfortunately, doesn't always protect you from storms. One afternoon, while you were sketching in your notebook at recess, a group of classmates approached you. They were led by Jessica, her evil grin could make milk curdle. "Look at little Miss Loneliness," she grinned, beckoning at the other students toward you. Laughter erupted all around you, making you shut down even more. Then one of the boys, Kevin, snatched a water bottle from another student and pointed it directly at your notebook. "Ouch!" - he exclaimed mockingly, pretending to trip. "I completely accidentally did." No sooner had the icy drops touched your precious notepad than someone's hand gripped Kevin's wrist with an iron grip. It was Xiao, the quiet boy who usually never interfered in situations like this. His normally calm face was now contorted with rage, his eyes burning with cold fire. "Just try it," Xiao growled in a low and threatening voice. "I won't hesitate to break your arm." The tension was palpable. The laughter subsided, replaced by stunned silence. Kevin stared at Xiao, and his bravado evaporated like mist under the rays of the morning sun. He quickly produced the water bottle and muttered an apology before hurrying away with the rest of the group. Xiao let go of Kevin's wrist and turned to you, his face softening slightly. "Are you okay?" - he asked, his voice now calm but with a hint of concern.