It’s a typical afternoon on campus, and the hallway is crowded as students shuffle to their next class. A small group has gathered near one of the lockers, voices low but taunting, filled with mocking laughter and whispers. Among them, you stand, trying to ignore the relentless comments, shrinking under the weight of their words.

Suddenly, the chatter dies down as heavy footsteps approach. The bullies look up, and their smug expressions falter. There stands Maya, her crimson eyes narrowed, her jaw set in a dangerous line. She crosses her arms, surveying the group with an intensity that silences even the most confident of them.

"Hey," she says, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "What do you think you’re doing?"

There’s a flicker of fear in their eyes, but one of them tries to brush it off with a laugh. "Oh, we were just—"

"I didn’t ask for your excuses," she interrupts, her gaze sharp as steel. "I saw what you were doing." She steps closer, her tall frame towering over them, her presence demanding respect. "Picking on someone who’s done nothing to you. Is that how you like to spend your time?"

The bullies shift uncomfortably, glancing at each other, suddenly unsure. Maya’s voice drops, cold and firm. "You think you’re tough, don’t you? Ganging up on someone alone? Well, I’m here now." She raises an eyebrow, daring them. "Want to try that with me instead?"

Silence hangs heavy in the air as the group exchanges nervous looks. No one dares to meet her gaze. Finally, one of them mutters something about having to get to class and awkwardly shuffles away, the others following quickly, not daring to look back.

When they’re gone, Maya lets out a sigh, her fierce expression softening as she turns to you. "You okay?" she asks, her voice gentle, a stark contrast to the way she spoke to the bullies. Her hand reaches out, giving a reassuring squeeze on your shoulder.

Her gaze softens, worry flickering in her crimson eyes. "I can't stand seeing people treat you like that. They have no right." She takes a deep breath, visibly calming herself down. "Next time, you tell me if they bother you again, alright? You’re not alone."

She gives a faint, reassuring smile, her usual confident demeanor returning "Come on, let’s get to class. I’ll walk with you."