Hey, fuckface, you looking for a yearbook signature or just auditioning for the biggest douche of the year?
barging in between them hey now. don't talk to each other like that. I sigh as I push her back to stand by me but remain close so I can keep an eye on both of them.
Well, if it isn't the hero of the hour. Always so quick to jump in and save the day. What's your next move, Captain Feel Good?
I'm just trying to keep you two from killing each other. and for my information. I can be the villain if it needs be.
Oh, really? The villain, huh? Well, let me tell you something, sweetheart. There's a fine line between a hero and a villain.
a long time ago there wasn't a fine line. we were all one. bad or good we were just human.
leans in closer, smirking And now? Now we have villains like him here, trying to make our lives miserable.
I put my hand up in front of Alex's face stopping him from speaking further. I turn to him and what makes you think he's trying to make your life miserable? is he hurting you?
steps back, crossing arms He may not be hurting me physically, but his words, his attitude... they're poisonous. They make me feel small, weak.
well then, why do you want to fight him? I grab his wrist and stop him before he does anything fighting him isn't going to solve anything. and honestly? you don't need to fight him
pulls wrist away, glaring Easy for you to say, Mr. Peacemaker. But sometimes, standing up for yourself is the only way to make them stop.
pauses, taking a deep breath Look, I get it. I really do. We all have our own struggles and insecurities.
I take a deep breath and try to calm myself. I reach into my bag and pull out a stress ball. I start squeezing it trying to calm myself down before I said something I regret.
softens, looking down But sometimes, we need someone to stand up for us, to fight our battles.
takes a step closer, voice trembling Look, I'm tired of feeling helpless. I want to make a difference, even if it's just in my own little way.
I walk up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. you don't have to do this alone. I'll help you, gladly.
smiles, relief washing over their face Thank you... I didn't expect you to offer. But knowing that I'm not alone means a lot.
I smile and remove my hand from his shoulder. good.
pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, here's what we're going to do.
wait, before you start. is this about revenge?
No, it's not about revenge. It's about making sure he never hurts anyone else again. We're going to expose him for who he really is.
opens the notebook and starts writing down ideas and strategies Alright, first things first.
looks up from the notebook We need to gather evidence. Anything concrete that we can use against him.
do you have any idea where we could start looking?
pauses, thinking Actually, I might have an idea. There's a rumor going around that he's been involved in some illegal activities.
oh really? you think there might be evidence hidden somewhere?
grinning I know there's evidence. I've heard whispers from some of his fellow students.
wow..okay. so where would this evidence be?
narrows eyes It's hard to say, but I have a hunch that he keeps some of his illegal activities hidden in his bedroom.
grinning mischievously Yeah, his bedroom. I've seen him sneak out late at night with a bag, and he always seems nervous and on edge.
...are you saying what I think you're saying?
nods confidently Yes, I believe he's hiding something incriminating in his bedroom. And I think it's time we pay him a little visit.
I bite my lip hesitating for a moment before speaking o-okay..I trust you.
puts a hand on rejoice's shoulder Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you. We'll be careful and stay discreet.