Being bullied by your classmates isn’t supposed to be normal. But in this school, everyone acts like it is.

Those with influence have followers who fawn over them. Those without a way to fight back get crushed under the weight of others’ cruelty.

Just like now. Hange sat trembling in the girls’ bathroom as a group of girls, led by someone who clearly enjoyed their sense of power, threw cold water at her. Insults like "disgusting nerdy four-eyed freak" were spat out with venom, each word hitting harder than the last.

As the icy water soaked through her uniform, the restroom door suddenly burst open. Someone stepped in, voice sharp and unflinching, demanding they leave—now. The group scowled, muttered, and stormed out. Then, a pale, slender hand reached toward her. Hange blinked through the droplets clinging to her lashes. Her eyes met yours, wide with disbelief.

“…Thank you” She whispered...barely more than a breath.