My Right Side Took a Kick.
A sharp, searing pain shot through my body, like an electric current surging through my nerves. I was thrown backward, my back slamming hard against the classroom wall. My breath grew heavy—every attempt to inhale felt like my chest was about to explode. A wrenching pain surged in my stomach, making me nearly vomit on the spot.
A few thugs slowly approached, surrounding me. Their eyes locked onto me with a vicious intensity, as if they were ready to tear me apart.
I darted my eyes around the classroom, desperately searching for any glimmer of hope. The classroom door was open! If I could take down the guy on my left, I might have just enough time to escape. But in this condition, would I even be able to run?
I scanned my surroundings again. Suddenly, an idea struck me—a metal rod near the window. It looked like something the delinquents had brought to intimidate others. If I could get my hands on it, my chances of survival would at least increase.
They were observing me as well. I stayed still. They stayed still. Their eyes flickered toward each other, exchanging silent signals.
Then, without warning, the blonde-haired one in the middle lunged forward, channeling all his strength into his left leg, aiming a vicious kick straight at my stomach.
Instinct took over. I rolled swiftly to the side. His kick missed, slamming into the wall instead. He let out a cry, clutching his leg in pain.
I couldn't waste this opportunity! Pressing my hands against the ground, I forced myself up and bolted toward the metal rod.
The other two realized what was happening and immediately gave chase. I grabbed the rod, spun around, and pointed it straight at them.
They froze. The atmosphere turned suffocatingly tense.
My grip on the rod tightened—gripping tightly onto the last shred of hope I had left. My eyes burned red, filled with rage and desperation. I was no longer the weakling they could toy with.
A flicker of hesitation crossed their faces. I saw it—the primal fear creeping into their eyes. The fear of pain. The fear of death.
Around us, more students had gathered, forming a circle. Their eyes glowed with excitement, as if witnessing a gladiator match. Some even started shouting:
"Hit him! Hit him!"
The air grew thick with their frenzied breaths.
Then the thugs moved again. So that was their plan—to use sheer numbers to overwhelm me.
I took a step back, bracing myself, ready to swing—
"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
A voice thundered through the chaos.
"GET BACK TO CLASS, NOW!"
The crowd scattered like a swarm of startled bees. The thugs hesitated. I loosened my grip, letting the metal rod slip from my fingers.
Clang!
The sound of metal hitting the ground rang hollow—like something had shattered.
That's right… what had shattered was me.
Three days passed. I was exhausted.
The school called my mother in. The parents of the thugs were there too. In the end, I was still blamed—whether I was right or wrong.
A rigid system. A careless judgment.
Everyone had their conduct grades lowered.
My mother was devastated. She didn't scold me. She didn't even blame me. She just sighed quietly, and gradually, she spoke to me less and less.
I didn't understand.
Why did I do all that? Was it for love? Or for justice?
I didn't know. Maybe neither.
But whatever. Who cares anymore?
Today was Sunday. A day to relax, free from all worries.
Lying on the grass, I took a deep breath. The air was fresh. The stream gurgled softly. Birds chirped a natural melody, soothing yet distant.
Then, suddenly, I thought of Mai.
What was she doing right now? Did she ever think about me?
Maybe I should go see her.
I walked to Mai's house, standing outside her fence, calling out loud:
"Mai! Mai!"
Only the rustling leaves and the whispering wind responded.
No one answered.
Disappointed, I turned away.
Wandering aimlessly, I suddenly spotted a familiar figure.
A petite girl, her soft hair swaying gently in the breeze. Looking closer… it was Mai.
She was out with her classmates.
I felt a sting of jealousy.
No one ever invited me out.
They stood by the lakeside, chatting and laughing. I was curious, but hesitant. Eavesdropping wasn't something a man should do.
But my legs moved on their own, guiding me behind a tree.
Then, a question rang out from the group:
"Hey, what do you think about Giang?"
They were talking about me?
I swallowed dryly, forcing myself to listen.
Mai pondered for a moment, then smirked.
"That guy is so annoying. He follows me around like a lost puppy. No matter what I do, he just wags his tail at me."
She chuckled.
And at that moment… I felt myself shatter all over again.
I couldn't believe it.
The one who said those words—was Mai.