Rain battered against the school's windows, turning the world outside into a blur of gray. The final bell had already rung, but many students still lingered in the hallways, gathering their things before heading home.

Atsushi sat on the floor near the shoe lockers, one hand resting weakly against the cold tile beneath him. A dark bruise was beginning to bloom across his cheek where he'd been struck earlier. His black hair hung damply over his eyes, hiding most of his expression as he stared silently at the ground.

The sound of footsteps surrounded him.

Daichi stood with his arms crossed. Yuta leaned lazily against a nearby locker. Haruki lingered further back, clearly uncomfortable but making no effort to leave. At the center of it all stood Kobayashi.

Kobayashi looked down at him and sighed dramatically.

"Seriously, Miyazaki? You never get tired of this?"

Atsushi didn't respond.

Several students passed by at the far end of the hallway. A few glanced over. One girl visibly slowed when she noticed Atsushi on the floor.

Then her friend tugged her sleeve.

The two quickly looked away and continued walking.

A group of boys exiting a classroom noticed the scene as well. Their conversation faltered for a moment before immediately picking back up. They walked past without saying a word.

Nobody stopped.

Nobody asked if he was okay.

Nobody wanted to be the next target.

Kobayashi noticed.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"See that?"

He gestured vaguely toward the students passing through the corridor.

"Nobody cares."

The rain outside seemed to grow louder.

"You could be bleeding out right here and they'd still keep walking."

Kobayashi crouched in front of him, resting one arm on his knee.

"I almost respect it, honestly. Most people would've snapped by now."

Atsushi remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor.

Kobayashi's smile faded slightly.

"Or maybe you're just pathetic."

Nearby, another pair of students rounded the corner. The moment they noticed what was happening, both immediately lowered their heads and walked faster.

Haruki watched them go before looking away himself.

The hallway felt crowded and empty at the same time.

Dozens of people passed through it every day.

Yet Atsushi had never felt more alone.