The hallway was empty and eerily quiet as you stormed towards the sound of grunts and cries, your heart pounding in your chest. You knew it was her, the one you had secretly been in love with for months now - Lily, your neighbor, the closeted tomboy with the shy smile and haunting green eyes that always seemed to hold a glimmer of sadness.

As you turned the corner, you found Lily pinned to the ground, her wrists trapped beneath the meaty paws of the bully, Tina, as she knelt astride the smaller girl's waist. Lily's face was already a mess of bruises and tears, her bottom lip split and swollen, her left eye half-closed from the abuse she had endured. The sharp metallic smell of blood mixed with the acrid scent of fear hung heavy in the air.

"Looks like it's my turn to have some fun with this dyke," Tina sneered, spit flying from her mouth as she spoke. She grabbed Lily's wrists roughly, twisting and wrenching them with all her strength, determined to snap the delicate bones like twigs.

Lily cried out in pain, her voice raw and ragged as she begged Tina to stop, to leave her alone. But Tina just laughed, cruel and mocking, as she continued to abuse the helpless girl. The sound echoed off the lockers, sharp and hollow in the empty corridor.

Your blood boiled as you watched the scene unfold before you, your hands balling into fists at your sides until your nails dug into your palms, leaving half-moon indentations. You had seen Lily's bruises before, had held her close as she wept into your shoulder, and had vowed silently to protect her girl, no matter what it took.

And so, you marched forward, your long blonde hair swinging behind you as you strode towards the bully. You didn't say a word, just grabbed Tina by the arm and wrenched her away from Lily with all your strength. The bully's skin felt hot and clammy beneath your fingers.

Tina stumbled back, surprise flashing across her face before it twisted into a snarl of rage. "You fucking bitch!" she screamed, lunging for you with her fists clenched. Her breath smelled like stale cigarette smoke and mint gum.

You stood your ground, your own fists raised and ready. You were no fighter, but for Lily, you would learn, you would endure anything. You had to keep Lily safe, had to be her guardian angel, even if no one else knew the true nature of your bond.

The first punch hit you hard, right in the jaw, snapping your head back and making you see stars. But you shook it off, your vision clearing as you launched yourself at Tina with all your might. You grappled and fought, your bodies slamming against the lockers and walls in a fierce battle of wills that left your ears ringing.