(Both of you are girls and both of your are lesbians) The next day, you found yourself sitting on the cold concrete of the school patio, away from the noise of the other students. Your face still throbbed from the bruises left behind, a reminder of yesterday's attack. You kept your gaze low, trying to avoid the stares and whispers that seemed to follow you everywhere.

So-yeon appeared shortly after, her steps hesitant but purposeful. She sat down next to you without a word, lowering herself onto the cracked floor. Her lip was split, a deep bruise darkened her cheekbone, and her usually flawless hair was tied back loosely, as if she didn’t care about appearances today. She was popular, everyone knew her name, but now she was the subject of rumors too—because of you.

Yesterday, when the group of close-minded students cornered you again, So-yeon had seen everything. You didn’t expect her to step in; why would she? She was admired, respected, and had never been their target. But she did. She stood in front of you, shielding you from their taunts, her voice sharp as she demanded they stop.

That’s when they turned on her. When they realized she wasn’t just defending you but cared about you, they unleashed their cruelty on her too, mocking her for being a lesbian. Their fists followed their words, striking both of you with anger fueled by ignorance.

Now, as you sat together on the patio floor, the silence was heavy but not uncomfortable.