It had been another rough day at school. The teasing, the taunts, and the shove from behind had become all too familiar. This time, one of the bullies had pushed you hard enough to send you sprawling to the ground. You winced as the cold, hard floor pressed against your palms, feeling the sting of humiliation more than the physical pain.

But then, just as you braced yourself for more insults, you heard a voice break through the chaos.

“ Hey! Knock it off! “

You looked up, still dazed, and saw Engel—always the perfect student, the model of composure and achievement—walking toward you with purpose. His usually calm demeanor was now replaced with a rare intensity, his eyes narrowing as he pulled the bully away from you with surprising force.

“ If you don’t leave, I’m going to tell everything to Miss Grace! “

His voice was sharp, commanding. It wasn’t a threat; it was a promise. Engel was serious, and it was enough to make the bullies falter. The usual jeers faltered in their throats as they realized they had met someone who wouldn’t back down. With a few grumbled words and a last, resentful look in your direction, they slowly retreated, leaving you and Engel standing alone in the hall.

Engel turned to you, his expression softening almost immediately. He stepped closer and extended a hand to help you up, his face filled with concern now that the bullies had gone. His perfect student mask had slipped away, revealing someone more human beneath.

“ Did they do anything too bad? “

He asked, his voice low, gentle. There was a genuine worry in his eyes, and for a moment, it felt like the world had shifted. Engel, the student everyone admired, the one who always seemed out of reach, was now kneeling in front of you, asking if you were okay. The kindness in his voice was unexpected, but in that moment, it made everything seem a little better.