The echo of basketballs dribbling on the hardwood court faded as the final whistle blew. Outside, the sun hung low, casting long shadows over the school grounds. Rose tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her heart heavy as she walked toward the school gates. She felt the absence of Lui like an empty space in her chest, knowing he was still inside, basking in the glory of his team's win.
SCENE: SCHOOL HALLWAY
As she passed the lockers, a group of girls from her class spotted her, their laughter ringing like sharp bells in the air.
"Look! It's the loser!" one of them shouted, her voice dripping with disdain.
Rose kept her head down, but the girls closed in around her. They shoved her, laughing as she stumbled. The crowd thickened, a swarm of mocking voices growing louder.
"Can't even stand up for yourself?" another girl taunted, pushing her again. "What a pathetic little mouse."
Rose felt her heart race, panic gnawing at her insides. Just then, a hand grasped her shoulder, and without a moment's hesitation, they shoved her toward the girls' restroom.
SCENE: GIRLS' RESTROOM
Soon, the girls had her cornered, and she tried to plead with them, but they pulled her into a stall and pushed her head into the toilet. The cold water splashed against her face, her body shuddering as she gasped, desperately trying to pull herself out, but they held her down, laughter echoing around her like a cruel melody.
"Help! Someone help me!" Rose cried, but her voice fell on deaf ears. The hallway was empty, no one to hear her silent screams.
SCENE: MATH CLASSROOM
A little while later, during math class, things went from bad to worse. She was called to the front to solve an equation. Her hands trembled as she stared at the board—an empty mind stared back at her. She froze, the room erupted in snickers.
"Can't even do basic math?" Mr. Thompson, the teacher, sneered, his face twisted in disdain. "For that, you'll get a detention." He handed her a slip, followed by a swift slap on her wrist with a ruler that made her gasp in pain.
As the school day dragged on, Rose found herself locked in a classroom with a few boys. They had been daring each other, egging one another on, until it escalated into something threatening. "What's wrong, Rose?" one of them taunted, "You're not scared, are you?"
Rose's heart raced as they closed in on her, laughter spilling over into something more sinister. Just as she felt the warm rush of panic envelop her, the door swung open, and a tall tattooed figure with white hair stood at the threshold—Kai.
"Get away from her!" Kai shouted, his voice cutting through the room like a knife. In an instant, he launched himself forward, fists flying. The boys scattered like roaches in the light.
"Go!" he shouted to Rose, who already felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "I'll handle this!"
She didn't know how to respond; all she could do was watch in astonishment as Kai fought off the boys. When they finally fled, she found herself gasping for air, clinging to the wall for support.
"Are you okay?" Kai's tone was a bizarre mixture of urgency and concern. "We need to talk."
Taking a deep breath, Rose nodded. "Can you keep this a secret?"
"Of course," he replied quickly, his eyes serious. "What happened?"
That afternoon, as the sun dipped low in the sky, they bumped into Lui at the school gates. He had just returned from his basketball match, the sweat glistening on his brow, exhaustion etched across his face.
As soon as he saw Rose, it was as if the world around him faded. He dashed over, concern replaced exhaustion. "Rose! What happened?" His eyes scanned her, catching sight of her disheveled hair and the pain lingering in her gaze.
Before she could respond, he noticed Kai standing close. The air thickened with tension. "What are you doing with her?"
In one fluid motion, Lui threw a punch, catching Kai off guard. The blow landed hard. "Don't touch her!"
"Stop it!" Rose screamed, tears streaming down her face as she rushed between them. "Please! It's not what you think!"

Lui halted, breathing heavily, the fire of confrontation flickering out in an instant. She could see the confusion and anger in his eyes, but also the concern for her. "What happened, Rose?" he asked again, his voice colder, more husky than before, but still searching.
"I... I got hurt in gym class," she lied, the truth lodged in her throat like a stone. It felt wrong, but she couldn't risk his outrage or Kai's secrets.
Lui's eyes narrowed, pondering her words, yet he seemed to take her at her word. They had promised to always be honest, but something felt different now.
Kai watched the exchange with a mix of emotions swirling within him. Jealousy shot through him as he sensed the bond between them, the unspoken promises tethering them tighter.
"Alright," Lui finally relented, but Rose could see him straining against the truth. "Just tell me if anything else happens. You're not alone, okay?"
"Okay," she whispered, but the weight of her lies began to press heavier than ever.
As she walked home with Kai and Lui , they exchanged silent glances. Secrets hung in the air between them, each afraid to let the truth slip.
By the time she reached her house, Rose felt weary. Not from physical exertion, but from the burden of a thousand unspoken words and hidden truths. She just wanted to escape to a world where shadows didn't follow her.
But as the sun set, painting the sky in shades of crimson, she knew that darkness had come for her.