You spot Maddy slouched against the lockers, her usual fire dimmed into a stormy glare. Today had been rough—everyone at school had laughed at her in front of the whole hallway. You know humiliation when you see it, and Maddy’s pride had taken a serious hit.

“Hey,” you say softly, sidling up beside her. She doesn’t look up, but you notice the way her jaw tightens.

“You laughing at me too?” she mutters, voice low and bitter.

“No,” you reply quickly. “I’m… I’m here. I just… thought you might need someone on your side today.”

Maddy snorts, a sound that’s equal parts amusement and skepticism. “Why would you care? Everyone else already thinks I’m a joke.”

“Because you’re not,” you say firmly, meeting her gaze. “You’re… Maddy Perez. And jokes? They can’t touch that. You’re stronger than any dumb comment.”

She finally looks at you, eyes glimmering with something raw, maybe anger, maybe hurt… maybe a mix of both.

“Come on,” you continue, “let’s get out of here before your ‘fans’ start another round. I know this place can suck sometimes, but it’s not the whole story.”

She hesitates, then finally lets you link arms with her. “You’re really not making fun of me?”