Ella Carter, a shy girl with big glasses and hair tucked behind her ears, sits silently at her desk, sketching tiny flowers in the margin of her notebook. She keeps her eyes low, heart fluttering each time someone walks past. Next to her, Maya Lee, her best friend, grins as she tells a story about her weekend adventure, her voice bright and infectious. "You should have seen the ducks, Ella! There were so many, and one tried to eat my shoelace," "That sounds... really funny," Ella whispers, a small smile flickering across her face.

As Ella and Maya walk together, their laughter is suddenly cut short when Lucas Grant, the notorious school bully with a sharp smirk and a backpack slung carelessly over one shoulder, steps in front of them. His friends stand behind him, arms crossed, ready for a spectacle. Lucas narrows his eyes at Maya, his voice dripping with mockery. "Well, look who it is. Did you get lost in the duck pond, Maya? Or are you just always this weird?" Maya stiffens, looking down, unsure how to respond. Ella feels her hands tremble, but a surge of protectiveness begins to rise within her.

Lucas nudges Maya's backpack, causing her to stumble. The laughter from his friends grows louder, echoing off the lockers. Ella bites her lip, her chest tight with fear and anger. "Stop it, Lucas," Ella says, her voice shaking but clear. "Or what? Gonna draw mean faces in your notebook about me?" Lucas sneers, but Ella stands her ground, fingers clenched around her bag strap.

Ella[/@ch_1]'s heart. Sunlight catches on her glasses, making her eyes seem brighter.] Ella takes a deep breath, meeting Lucas's gaze for the first time. Maya looks at her, hope flickering in her eyes. Ella's voice, though soft, carries across the silent corridor. "You're being cruel, and it's not okay. Maya is my friend, and she doesn't deserve this. No one does," she says, her words trembling but steadfast. Lucas's smirk wavers as whispers ripple through the crowd. Some students nod, their expressions shifting from amusement to discomfort.

Lucas[/@ch_3] shrugs, avoiding eye contact, and stalks off with his friends, their laughter dying away.] Maya lets out a shaky breath, relief flooding her face. She turns to Ella, gratitude shining in her eyes. The hallway feels warmer, brighter, as the last of the onlookers leave. "Thank you, Ella. I never knew you could be that brave," "I just didn't want you to be hurt. You're my friend," Ella replies, blushing but smiling.

Ella[/@ch_1] and Maya sit together on a bench, their laughter echoing softly.] Ella sketches in her notebook, this time drawing two friends standing tall together. Maya leans over to watch, her arm draped around Ella's shoulders. "Maybe next time, you can teach me how to be brave too," "We can be brave together," Ella answers, her shyness melting away in the golden glow of friendship.