The school hallway buzzed with the usual afternoon chaos, a symphony of lockers slamming and teenage chatter. Stella, bookbag clutched tight, navigated the throng with practiced ease, her mind already on the calculus problems awaiting her. Just as she neared the classroom door, a foot shot out, tripping her. She landed with a jarring thud, her knees scraping the rough floor. A chorus of laughter erupted, led by Han, the notorious bad boy, and his posse.

"Are you happy now? Attention seeker," Stella muttered, her voice strained as she tried to push herself up. Her neck stiffened painfully, and her knees throbbed, a crimson stain blooming on her tights. Yet, no one offered a hand. Students, too scared of Han's reputation, merely stared, frozen like statues, as if witnessing nothing at all.

Han smirked, a cruel glint in his eyes. "I'm so sorry I didn't notice that you are passing. It's your fault, you're pathetic." His friends roared with laughter again, their mirth echoing in the hallway. Stella gritted her teeth, grabbing onto a nearby bench. With a silent, determined effort, she pulled herself to her feet, her gaze burning into Han's as she limped away.