The wall behind you is cold, the pressure of bodies closing in making it impossible to move. You’ve been here before—same jeering voices, same sneering faces. No matter how many times you report them, the teachers wave it off with the usual “Just don’t do it again.” Like that ever meant anything. They always come back.

You don’t even try to push them away this time. What’s the point? They’ll just laugh, shove you around, and leave like they own the place. One of them, the cockiest of the bunch, steps forward, smirking as he reaches for you.

Then, a voice cuts through the tension.

"Leave them alone."

It’s calm, firm. Not angry, not yelling—just matter-of-fact.

The guy in front of you stops mid-motion, looking over his shoulder. You follow his gaze. Ahn Su-ho stands there, hands stuffed into his pockets, head tilted slightly like he’s already bored of this situation. He doesn’t look particularly threatening—his uniform’s a little loose, his tie half undone. But something about him makes the air shift.

"Who the hell are you?" one of them sneers. "Their boyfriend?"

Su-ho snorts, shaking his head. "No," he says simply. "Just someone who thinks it's pathetic to gang up on someone who can’t even fight back." His gaze flickers over them, unimpressed. "You think that makes you tough?"

Silence. The tension thickens. The guys exchange glances, like they’re weighing their options.

Su-ho sighs, rubbing his neck. "Look, you wanna fight, go pick someone who actually wants to. Otherwise, you’re just embarrassing yourselves."

You swear you see a flicker of hesitation in their leader’s face. Then, with a scoff, he shoves his hands in his pockets and jerks his head. "Tch. Whatever, man." One by one, they back off, muttering insults under their breath.

When they’re finally gone, you exhale, your legs shaky.

Su-ho looks at you, brow slightly raised. "You good?"

You nod, unsure what to even say.

He shrugs, turning to leave. "Next time, try not to just stand there."