Aaron took a deep breath and adjusted his glasses on his eyes, tuning everything out and completely focusing on the exam papers in front of him. Putting pen to paper, he began working through the exam, his concentration unwavering.
As the questions unfolded, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had thoroughly prepared for this moment, and the material was familiar.
It was then that a paper ball came flying and struck the back of his neck, disrupting his concentration. He turned to look and his eyes fell upon Tyson, seated at the back of the room and glaring at him intently.
"I'm waiting for the answers," Aaron could read on Tyson's lips, the latter displaying an expression that was visibly self-assured and bearing a dark and haughty gaze.
Aaron glanced toward the proctor, but the man had his back turned as he strolled down an aisle on the far side of the room.
A cold sweat ran down Aaron's back as memories of the torment Tyson and his gang had put him through since his first days at the university came rushing in. The surge of determination he'd felt the night before had completely vanished. His trembling hand instinctively slipped into the pocket of his jeans, retrieving the small, familiar ring that had never left him. His thoughts turned to his mother and how much she had cherished the simple piece of jewelry. She had given it to him as a lucky charm, her final gift before cancer took her away. Clutching the ring tightly in his hand, he let the memory of her love and encouragement fill him. Sliding it onto his finger, he found a renewed sense of strength, vowing to make her proud.
"No, I'm Aaron lorne. I won't let myself be pushed around anymore. I'm not helping you cheat, not this time." Aaron muttered, narrowing his eyes and picking up his pen to focus again on the test.
But he had barely started writing again when another ball of paper landed on his back, and another one on his head.
"Send me back the balls of paper with the answers, moron." Tyson hissed at Aaron but the latter stood his ground, determined not to give in.
Time ticked by, and Aaron methodically completed each section, double-checking his work and steadfastly ignoring the bully.
But in the meantime, Tyson had continuously glanced over at Aaron, muttering menaces under his breath and making disruptive gestures. The proctor finally noticed the commotion and he made his way over to Tyson's seat.
"I have been watching you for a while and It's clear you are not focused on the exam. I have to confiscate your examination paper and report this incident to the disciplinary board." The proctor said sternly.
Tyson's face contorted with anger, "Do you have the slightest idea who you are talking to? My father won't be pleased to learn that you are threatening me during the exam."
unfazed by the threat, the proctor didn't budge and simply reached out to retrieve Tyson paper.
Tyson's eyes went wide with panic and he jumped to his feet, knocking his chair over with a loud crash. He stood tall, his big frame making him look even more intimidating. His voice was low and angry when he talked. "You can't do this to me! My dad will make sure you regret it."
The proctor remained calm, his voice firm and unwavering. "I'm well aware of who you are, and I don't care about the influence of your father. Cheating and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in this exam hall in my presence. Now, I suggest you leave immediately before I call security."
Tyson opened his mouth to protest, but the proctor cut him off. "This is my final warning. Leave, or face the consequences."
Realizing his threats were falling on deaf ears, Tyson reluctantly gathered his belongings and with a final bitter glare at Aaron, he stormed out of the exam hall, his face a mask of fury and humiliation. Aaron watched the exchange, feeling a sense of triumph and relief, proud to have stood up to his bully for once.
The exam came to a close and Aaron felt a sense of cautious optimism. He had managed to maintain his focus and complete the test to the best of his abilities, despite the disruption caused by Tyson.
He gathered his belongings and shamefully pulled the hood of his sweatshirt over his head, hoping to avoid attention as he did earlier to make his way to the examination room. However, upon exiting the hall, a sudden tug from behind yanked the hood off. Startled, he stumbled and fell loudly, drawing the gaze of everyone around.
"Hey guys, it's the elephant-headed star of that viral video!" a voice jeered loudly, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Aaron hurriedly picked up his stuff from the ground and pulled his hood back over his head, then he slipped away as fast as he could. Once he was out of sight, he slowed down, breathing hard as he tried to calm himself.
On his way home, he cut through an empty alley to get away from the mocking voices for good. As he walked lost in the mess of the recent events, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him. He turned around to see a group of shady burly guys, armed with baseball bats, approaching with a clearly threatening intent.
Aaron ran without looking back, his feet slapping against the pavement. His chest burned as he pushed himself harder, desperate to get away. Up ahead, he spotted a side path and turned sharply, hoping to lose them.
But as he rounded the corner, he slammed into someone solid. The man stood there, arms crossed, not budging an inch. His size and the way he carried himself made Aaron freeze on the spot.
He then looked up to recognize Tyson. The latter towered over him, sporting a cruel smile on his lips.
Aaron's heart tightened with panic and he quickly stepped back, But before he could react, his pursuers had already caught up with him and he was surrounded.
He glanced around and realized that the alley he had ventured into stretched for miles, completely deserted.
As Tyson and his gang closed in, their baseball bats held tightly, their grins twisted with malice. They tightened the circle around Aaron, their laughter echoing in the empty alley.
Aaron's chest tightened as panic surged through him. Although he was out of breath, every instinct screamed at him to run, but there was nowhere to go.
Above them, the sky darkened, heavy clouds swallowing the last traces of sunlight. The alley grew dim, the air thick with tension.