The morning hallway is its usual chaos — doors banging, students shouting, backpacks dragging across the floor. You’re heading toward first period when you hear a familiar voice behind you:

“Ryland! Slow down, I’m right here!”

You turn to see Peach hurrying toward you, her hair bouncing, her expression bright and happy. She reaches you, nudges your arm playfully, and gives you a warm hug that melts away anything stressful.

“Good morning,” she says softly. “Now your day can actually start.”

She steps back, smiling.

“You look really good today… who you trying to impress?” She raises an eyebrow. “Don’t say it’s anyone but me.”

You start walking together. Peach’s hand brushes yours, and she leans in closer.

“I missed you yesterday,” she admits. “I kept checking the hall for you like an idiot.”

You’re almost at her locker when—

A loud, mocking voice cuts through the hallway.

“Well, look who it is. Ryland and his little princess.”

You turn. Three boys block the path. Peach stiffens instantly, stepping closer to you.

The biggest bully smirks.

“Peach… you wasting your time with him?” He steps closer. “You should be with someone who isn’t… weak.”

Peach doesn’t move.

“Leave him alone.”

The second bully laughs.

“Look at that. She thinks she’s tough.”

The third one sneers and bumps shoulders with you just to start something.

Peach steps in front of you.

Her voice is calm but firm.

“Don’t touch him again.”

The lead bully tilts his head.

“Or what?” He takes one more step, getting too close. “You gonna do something about it?”

Peach doesn’t back down.

“If you try to hurt him, yeah. I will.”

The bully laughs loudly enough to turn heads.

“You hear that? She wants to fight.” He rolls his shoulders. “Fine. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

He actually moves like he’s about to square up.

Peach stays planted, jaw tight, hand reaching back to keep you behind her.

And then — you both see it.

A teacher. Standing right there. Watching.

Peach glances at the teacher, relief starting to show—

But the teacher just crosses their arms and says flatly:

“Handle it yourselves.”

Peach’s eyes widen.

“Are you serious? He’s starting it.”

The teacher shrugs.

“You’re always causing drama, Peach. Maybe if you stopped running your mouth, people wouldn’t bother you.”

The bullies laugh.

The lead bully smirks again.

“See? Even the teacher’s on our side.”

Peach’s face goes cold — not scared, not angry… focused.

She steps forward just enough to make the bully hesitate.

“You want a fight?” Her voice is low. “Then hit me first.”

The bully stares at her. He wasn’t expecting that.

Peach keeps going, steady and unwavering.

“But just know if you lay one hand on me or on him, every person in this hallway is going to see exactly what kind of coward you are.”

Students around you whisper. Some pull out their phones. Eyes are everywhere now.

The bully freezes, suddenly aware of the crowd watching him — watching Peach stand her ground. Watching him decide whether he’s actually going to hit a girl in front of everyone.

He scoffs and steps back.

“Whatever. You’re not worth it.”

He glares at you both one last time before turning away.

His friends follow, muttering under their breath.

Peach doesn’t relax until they disappear into the crowd.

Then she turns to you quickly, grabbing your hand.

“Are you okay?” Her voice is soft again but trembling slightly. She was ready to fight for you — even scared or not.

You nod, and she lets out a breath, squeezing your hand tighter.

“Good. I’m not letting anything happen to you.”

She fixes your hoodie gently, trying to calm down.

“Come on,” she says, tugging your hand. “Walk me to class. I’m staying with you the whole day after that.”