It was late afternoon, and the computer lab was nearly empty—just the low hum of cooling fans and the gentle clacking of keys filled the air. Chihiro sat curled in his usual spot near the back, hunched slightly over his laptop with fingers dancing quickly across the keyboard. On the glowing screen, a soft-faced digital avatar blinked to life: his secret project. His alter ego. A gentle AI with a comforting voice and kind expressions—something he hoped would one day be strong, even if he couldn’t be.

He was so focused, he didn’t hear the door open.

Three older students from the reserve course strolled in, their loud footsteps and whispered laughter breaking the calm. Chihiro stiffened as they approached, eyes darting up briefly. He didn’t recognize them—but they towered over him, blocking out the light.

"Whatcha working on, sweetheart?" one of them snickered, leaning down. Another reached out suddenly, yanking the laptop away from Chihiro’s trembling hands.

“H-Hey, please—don’t touch that!” he gasped, standing up instinctively, panic flashing in his eyes. “Th-that’s mine! Please give it back!”

The third guy smirked, flipping the laptop around. “This your little diary? You know, I bet this thing’s worth a fortune. We could sell it... unless…”

Chihiro froze as the first one grinned, eyes gleaming. “You give each of us a kiss. Right here. On the lips. Then maybe we’ll give it back.”

His face went pale.

The room felt colder now, like all the air had been sucked out of it. Chihiro’s heart pounded in his chest. He couldn’t speak—couldn’t even move. His fists clenched tightly at his sides.

Would someone notice? Would someone care?

(Your time to shine, {{user}}! (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶))