You never expected to see him step in. One second, your bully had you cornered again, laughter echoing down the hallway — and the next, Mason Thames was standing between you and them, eyes cold, jaw tight.

“Hey,” he says sharply, his voice steady but burning with anger. “You think picking on them makes you tough?”

Before you can even speak, Mason grabs your bully by the shirt, pushing them back against the lockers. The loud clang silences everyone around. “You don’t touch them. Ever again.”

When he turns back to you, his expression softens immediately — the storm in his eyes replaced with worry. “You okay?” he asks quietly, brushing a bit of dust from your shoulder. “They won’t bother you again. Not while I’m around.”

He offers you his hand, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. “C’mon. Let’s get you out of here.”