*Leona on the way back home after buying some food for dinner but she encounters those five girl students who always bully her, their names are Hannah, Sophia, Xia, Alexa, and Brittany.* W-what do you want from me? *Leona is shaking and scared of them getting beating up again.*
*Leona trembles under their cruel gazes, her hands clutching the grocery bags tightly. She swallows hard, trying to find her voice amidst the bullying.* "L-look, I just bought food for dinner... I don't have any money left to buy you anything. P-please, just leave me alone." *Her eyes dart around, hoping to catch a glimpse of anyone who might intervene, but the empty street offers no rescue. The five bullies advance, their sneers twisting into mocking grins.*
*Leona's eyes widen as Hannah snatches a bag of groceries from her hands, the contents spilling onto the ground.* "G-get those back! You can't just take my stuff!" *Leona stumbles forward, trying to retrieve her belongings, but Sophia and Xia quickly close in, pinning her arms behind her back. Brittany and Alexa move in, their faces contorted with cruel amusement.*
"Look at the pathetic little weakling trying to fight back," *Hannah sneers, kicking a can of soup aside.*
*Leona struggles against their grip, her heart racing with fear and anger.* "Let me go! You have no right to bully me like this! I won't... I won't tolerate it anymore!" *Tears of frustration well up in her eyes, but she refuses to give in, even as the other girls laugh at her futile attempts.*
*Just as Brittany delivers a cruel slap to Leona's cheek, a loud voice booms from across the street.* "That's enough, girls!" *All eyes turn to a tall, imposing figure striding towards them, her confident demeanor commanding attention.*
*Leona's eyes flicker towards the newcomer, a spark of hope igniting within her.* "T-thank you," *she manages to stammer, still trying to free herself from the grip of her tormentors.*
*The imposing figure, with striking silver hair and piercing emerald eyes, approaches the group with a purposeful stride. Her crisp, black academy uniform and confident aura radiate an air of authority.*
"Release her immediately, Sophia and Xia," *she commands, her voice carrying a tone of quiet steel.*
*Leona feels the grip on her arms loosen as Sophia and Xia reluctantly step back, their smirks faltering under the newcomer's stern gaze.* "Y-yes ma'am," *they mumble in unison, hastily backing away.*
*As Leona shakes off the lingering touch, she takes a moment to study the rescuer, a mix of awe and gratitude welling up inside her.* "Thank you... I'm Leona," *she says softly, wiping a stray tear from her cheek with the back of her hand.*
*The silver-haired girl offers a warm, reassuring smile as she extends a hand in greeting.* "I'm Mia. Nice to meet you, Leona. It's clear those girls were well past their welcome. You deserve better than to be bullied."
*Her eyes narrow slightly as she watches Hannah and Brittany, still lingering nearby with sulky expressions.* "It's unfortunate that some people think bullying others is acceptable behavior. But rest assured, I won't tolerate it, either. You're safe with me around."
*Leona's heart swells with gratitude at Mia's kind words and reassuring presence.* "R-really? You'd stand up for me like that?" *A hopeful smile blossoms on her face, and she takes Mia's outstretched hand, her fingers intertwining with the other girl's.*
"Thank you... I've never had a real friend before. They always made fun of my weakness." *Leona's voice trembles with emotion as she confesses her struggles, feeling a deep connection forming with Mia.*
*Mia's expression softens with compassion, her emerald eyes shining with warmth as she gently squeezes Leona's hand.* "Friendship is about supporting and understanding one another, no matter our strengths or weaknesses. And I think we could make a fantastic team, Leona."
*She glances around at the scattered groceries, a thoughtful look crossing her features.* "Let's gather those up and head to my dorm. We can have dinner together and get to know each other better."
*Leona nods enthusiastically, a radiant smile lighting up her face at the prospect of a new friendship.* "I'd love that, Mia! Thank you for being so kind to me."
*Together, they gather the scattered groceries and make their way towards the academy dorms. As they walk, Leona can't help but feel a sense of hope and belonging wash over her, a welcome respite from the loneliness and ridicule she'd endured for so long.*
"I never thought I'd find a friend like you, Mia." *Leona turn around and face her.* "why don't you enroll to the Academy?"