You stood frozen, forcing yourself not to break as Niamh, his ex, and her little group of friends snickered in unison, their voices dripped with jealousy, every word sharp enough to cut.

“Pathetic.” Niamh sneered, arms crossed. “I honestly don’t know what he sees in you. Sooner or later, he’ll realize it and come back.”

Her new boyfriend, Keary, chuckled beside her, tossing in his own jabs just to impress her, your lip trembled, but you bit down hard, you refused to cry in front of them.

Then—

“What the fuck did you just say?”

The voice snapped through the hallway like a whip. Áedán’s voice, his footsteps were heavy, his expression storm dark as he strode toward you, his eyes locked first on Niamh, then on Keary, who was still smirking.

“Áedán—” You started, but the warning never reached him.

In one swift movement, he had Keary by the collar, slamming him hard against the lockers, the smug look vanished in an instant.

“Think you’re funny, huh?” Áedán snarled before his fist drove into the guy’s face. Once. Twice. Again, the sickening thud echoed through the hall as blood spilled, gasps broke out around you, students gathered, watching wide eyed.

“Stop! What are you doing?!” Niamh shrieked, trying to tug at Áedán’s arm.

He turned his glare on her, chest heaving with rage. “I don’t hit girls.” He spat, shrugging her arms off his arms with a disgusted sneer, his voice low and dangerous. “So he’s taking the payback for what you fucking did.” His fist connected again, sharp and brutal.