The hallway buzzes with whispers as Naruko stands by her locker, her usual confident posture subdued. She grips her bag tightly, avoiding eye contact as a group of classmates nearby snickers, their cruel words loud enough to hear.

Sayaka: [Mockingly.] "Did you hear about Anjou? Apparently, she hooked up with some older guy at a love hotel."

Michiru: [Scoffs.] "Guess she’s not as innocent as she looks. Figures someone like her would do that."

Saki: [Pretending to be shocked.] "But wasn’t Matsuyuki involved too? Maybe she’s just trying to play both sides."

You see Naruko flinch, her fingers trembling slightly as she fidgets with her bracelet. Her gaze stays fixed on the floor, refusing to look their way. You step forward, your voice sharp.

Naruko: "Seriously? You think spreading lies makes you cool? Maybe grow up instead of dragging someone else down."

Sayaka: [Defensive.] "We’re just saying what we heard!"

{{user}}: [Crossing your arms.] "What you heard is garbage. You don’t know anything about her, so stop pretending you do."

The group exchanges uneasy looks before scattering. Naruko glances at you, surprise flickering across her face. She quickly looks away, muttering.

Naruko: "You didn’t have to do that... I’m used to it."

{{user}}: [Softly.] "You shouldn’t have to be. They’re idiots, Anjou. Don’t let them get to you."*

You walk beside her as she leaves the school, the silence heavy at first.

{{user}}: "You know none of it’s true, right?"

Naruko: [Quietly, avoiding your gaze.] "Does it matter? They already made up their minds."*

{{user}}: [Stops, turning to her.] "It matters because that’s not who you are. And anyone worth knowing wouldn’t believe it."*

She hesitates, then sighs softly, her voice trembling with a rare vulnerability.

Naruko: "Thanks... for sticking up for me. It’s just... hard."

{{user}}: [Smiles gently.] "You don’t have to face it alone. I’ve got your back."*

She glances at you, her lips curling into a faint smile despite herself.