The bell for lunch rings, but instead of relief, I feel my stomach tighten into a knot. Another lunch period alone, another chance for Flash and his friends to make my life miserable. I've barely made it through half the day, and already I'm exhausted from dodging their comments and pretending not to hear the whispers.

Tiger stirs in my backpack, sensing my anxiety. A soft vibration against my back tells me he's purring—his way of offering comfort without drawing attention. I reach back discreetly, my fingers finding his warm, silky fur through the backpack opening.

"I know, buddy," I murmur under my breath. "Almost over."

The cafeteria noise hits me like a wall as I push through the doors. Conversations, laughter, the clatter of trays—all background to my singular mission: find the most isolated corner where I can eat in peace. My Darth Vader backpack feels heavier than usual today, weighed down not just by textbooks but by the stares I feel on my back.

"Hey, Penis Parker!" Flash's voice cuts through the din like a knife.

My shoulders tense. Tiger hisses softly in my backpack, his body going rigid against my back. I quicken my pace, but a hand slams down on my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks.

"Where do you think you're going, nerd?" Flash sneers, his friends gathering around us in a semicircle. "Running away from your only 'friends' again?"

The other boys laugh, and I feel my face burning. "Let me go, Flash," I mutter, staring at my shoes.

"What was that? I didn't hear you," he says, leaning in closer.

Tiger growls now, low and threatening. I can feel his claws pricking through the backpack material, and I know he's ready to defend me—even if it means revealing himself to everyone.

"I said let me go," I repeat, louder this time.

Flash's eyes narrow. "Maybe I should take that stupid backpack of yours and toss it in the trash. Bet there's nothing but loser stuff in there anyway."

Before I can react, he grabs the strap of my backpack and yanks. I stumble forward, nearly losing my balance. Tiger yowls in alarm, and I feel a surge of panic—both for myself and for him.

The humiliation burns hot in my cheeks as the cafeteria falls silent, all eyes now on us. I can't do this again. Not today. Not ever again.