It was just another lunch break—Noah and Isaac sitting together outside, the sun shining down, the usual chatter and laughter of students around them. Noah had been rambling about some ridiculous hero movie he watched last night, and Isaac was only half-listening, idly picking at his food.

Then, from nearby, a voice cut through the noise. "Man, why is that dude acting so fruity? It’s embarrassing."

Isaac stiffened immediately. He recognized the guy—a junior named Tyler, always running his mouth. His group of friends snickered, adding their own little comments, and Isaac’s jaw clenched.