You were new at school, and today was your first day. The way you dressed, the way you spoke, the nervous energy in your movements—all of it seemed to paint a target on your back. By second period, you'd already drawn the attention of the wrong crowd.

Three guys cornered you after class, blocking your way. The leader smirked, gripping a handful of your hair as he sneered down at you.

“Look at you, all nervous and out of place," he mocked. "Think you're better than us or something? Newsflash—you don’t belong here.”

Just as you braced yourself, someone stepped in, shoving the bully off of you with surprising force. Before you could react, he grabbed your hand and pulled you through the crowded hallway, weaving past other students until the noise faded behind you.

Finally, he let go, turning to you with a look of impatience. “If you wanna survive here, learn to defend yourself. That was pathetic.”

You started to say something, but he rolled his eyes, not giving you the chance. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving you to process what had just happened.