"Bi? What's wrong? You seem down." Grayson asked.
"It's just Kai didn't come to school today. I am worried about him."
"Bi... let's not talk about It here."
"I know we shouldn't and If our parents learn we will be in serious trouble but he is our friend," Bianca responded.
"Be patient Bia. As soon as the charges against Kai's dad are cleared we can continue everything like nothing happened." Kial comforted Bianca.
"Yeah, I know but... I think he was really upset."
"He is kinda right to be upset." Penelope expressed.
"Yo Southie freak! Or maybe I should call you a panther freak? Which one would suit him best in your opinion James?" Mark laughed. He had found Caius alone in the locker room after the GYM class and was using this as an opportunity to mock him.
"I think you shouldn't even talk to him even If It's for mocking him. His father was arrested and is associated with the Panthers. He and his dad are nothing more than trouble." James replied.
"Do you think he has any viruses or illnesses?"
"Definitely" James laughed.
"I don't think beating him would pass the disease to me," Mark replied as he hit Caius in the stomach.
"Asshole..." Caius grunted.
"Couldn't hear you freak, speak louder!" Mark shouted as he dealt another blow to Caius's stomach.
Caius doubled over in pain, clutching his stomach. The locker room echoed with the sound of Mark's laughter and James's taunts. Caius's mind raced, a mix of anger and humiliation surging through him. He knew he had to stand up for himself, but the pain made it difficult to think clearly.
"Leave him alone!" a voice suddenly shouted from the entrance of the locker room. It was the boy who had told Caius to go to the Alley Cat, his expression fierce as he strode towards them.
Mark and James turned, surprised by the interruption. "What do you want, Harrison?" Mark sneered. "This is none of your business."
"It is my business when you're bullying someone," Harrison shot back, stepping between Caius and the jocks. "Back off, now."
James scoffed. "Why are you defending him? He's just a Southie freak. Oh wait I think I had forgotten. You are also a Southie freak."
And with that, Bennet had punched James in the face.
Mark hesitated, glancing at James who was holding his bleeding nose. The two exchanged a look before deciding it wasn't worth the trouble. "Whatever," Mark muttered. "Let's go."
As they left the locker room, Bennet turned to Caius, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?"
Caius nodded, wincing as he straightened up. "Yeah, thanks. But why did you interfere? No one cares when he hits me. At least until now, no one cared." It wasn't the first time he was bullied by Mark. After he told his ex-friends about his family history and they became distant, Mark was taking all the opportunities to make Caius's life a living hell.
Bennet shrugged, offering a small smile. "A Panther takes care of another Panther. Well soon to be panther. Let's get you to the nurse."
"You are a Panther?"
"Yep. I'm Bennet."
"Caius."
"Nice to meet you, future brother." Bennet smiled.
As they walked towards the nurse's office, Caius felt a mix of gratitude and relief. Despite the tension and the challenges, he knew he wasn't alone. The Panthers were with him. Even If he wasn't a Panther yet. They were still at his side.