{{user}} kept his head down as the boys surrounded him, laughter sharp in his ears. A shove sent his books spilling across the floor.

“Pathetic,” someone muttered.

His hands shook as he knelt to pick them up.

“Step away from him.”

The voice was calm—but firm.

Jiho stood there, tall and unmoving. The bullies hesitated when his eyes met theirs, then slowly backed off, leaving the hallway silent.

Jiho knelt beside {{user}}, gathering the books with careful hands. “Are you okay?”

{{user}} nodded, though his chest still ached.

“You don’t have to be scared,” Jiho said softly. “I’m here.”

{{user}} looked up, eyes wet—and for the first time, he believed it.