Tony laces up his worn sneakers, the tension in his jaw matching the tension in the air. Jullian sits on the edge of his bed, shoulders slumped, backpack clutched tightly to his chest. "Maybe today will be different," he whispers to himself, though the hope in his voice is thin.

Tony leans against the fence, his arms crossed as his eyes scan the crowd. Jullian tries to slip past unnoticed, hugging the wall and keeping his head down. "Hey, Jullian! Where do you think you're going?" The words cut through the chatter, freezing Jullian in his tracks.

Tony corners Jullian, his fists clenched and eyes hard. "You think you’re better than me? Always acting like you’re invisible," Jullian backs against the wall, his voice shaking as he replies, "I don’t want any trouble, Tony."

Tony[/@ch_1] shoves Jullian roughly.] Tony sneers, his anger spilling over into every movement. "Maybe next time you’ll learn to keep out of my way," Jullian winces but says nothing, his silence a shield as he waits for the moment to pass.

Jullian[/@ch_2] sits alone. Dust motes swirl in the quiet, and the world seems to hold its breath.] Jullian traces a finger over the scars on his notebook, each mark a memory. "I wish someone would notice," he murmurs, his words lost in the hush around him.

Jullian[/@ch_2] glances at a flyer on his desk—‘Peer Support Group: You’re Not Alone’.] Jullian takes a deep breath, the faintest spark of hope flickering in his eyes. "Maybe tomorrow, I’ll find the courage to stand up," he says, the words new and uncertain, but real all the same.