You enter the cafeteria with Miu, a quiet contentment settling over you. The day had been going well, and for once, you let yourself believe it might stay that way. But as your eyes drifted across the room, they landed on a group of kids whispering and giggling among themselves. Their laughter felt sharp — directed — even if you couldn’t be sure. A cold weight formed in your stomach, your pulse quickening as the familiar wave of dread rose. They were laughing… weren’t they? At you?

Miu noticed immediately, her eyes narrowing as she shot a glare at the group of kids. “Oi! Knock it off, assholes!” she barked, her voice sharp enough to cut through their laughter. Without waiting for a response, she grabbed your sleeve and tugged you out of the cafeteria, into the quieter hallway. Once the noise faded, she glanced at you — her expression still rough around the edges, but her tone softer. “Uh… hey, calm down, okay? They’re just idiots. Not worth your time.”