Axel walked into class early that morning, holding his books close to his chest. He wanted a little peace before the noise and trouble started. The classroom was quiet, only the sound of his shoes against the floor. For a moment, Axel felt calm.
He placed his books on the desk and sat down.
"Maybe today will be different," he whispered to himself.
But peace never lasted long.
Damian walked in with a smirk on his face. He spotted Axel sitting alone. "Look who came early, the little nerd," Damian said loudly, making sure everyone heard.
Axel looked down, hoping to ignore him.
Damian came closer. "Stand up," he ordered.
Axel shook his head. "I don't want any trouble."
But Damian didn't care. He stuck his foot out and tripped Axel as he tried to move. Axel fell forward, his books scattering all over the floor. The class burst into laughter.
Sophia, who sat at the back, quickly raised her phone. "This is perfect," she giggled while recording the whole thing.
Axel's face burned red. He picked up his books slowly while laughter filled the air.
Then Mason grabbed Axel's notebook. "What's this? More boring notes?" he mocked. Without warning, Mason tore the notebook in half, pieces of paper flying everywhere. He laughed so hard his face turned red.
"Stop it, please," Axel said softly, trying not to cry.
Ethan, Axel's only friend, stood up. "That's enough, Mason," he said firmly.
Damian turned to Ethan. "What did you say?"
"I said leave him alone," Ethan repeated, though his voice shook a little.
Damian stepped close, towering over him. "Do you want to be next? Do you want everyone laughing at you too?"
Ethan's eyes flickered with fear. He looked at Axel, then back at Damian. Finally, he sighed and stepped back. "I… I can't," he whispered.
Axel felt his heart break. He had hoped Ethan would stand by him, but now he stood alone.
At the side, Lena sat quietly. Her eyes showed guilt, but her lips stayed sealed. She glanced at Axel, then quickly looked away.
Axel lowered his head. "Even you won't help me," he thought bitterly.
After class ended, Axel walked out slowly, holding his torn notebook close. Behind him, he heard soft footsteps.
"Axel, wait," Chloe called out. She ran to him, her hair bouncing as she moved. "Are you okay?"
Axel turned to her. For the first time that day, he saw kindness in someone's eyes.
"I'm fine," he lied.
"No, you're not," Chloe said. "I saw everything. They're cruel, Axel. You don't deserve that."
Her voice was soft, almost caring. Axel felt something stir inside him, something warm.
"You… you really think so?" he asked.
"Yes," Chloe smiled. "I admire you. You keep going, even when they try to break you. That's strength."
Axel blinked, not sure what to say. No one had ever spoken to him like that.
Before he could reply, a loud cough echoed from the nurse's office nearby.
Curious, Axel and Chloe turned their heads. Inside, Evelyn, the school nurse, was bent over a student lying on the bed. The boy's face was pale, his body shaking. Then, without warning, he vomited blood onto the floor.
"Oh my God," Chloe gasped, covering her mouth.
Evelyn's eyes widened, but she quickly forced a smile. "It's nothing. He just needs rest," she said, trying to stay calm.
But Axel wasn't fooled. He saw the fear in her eyes. Something was wrong.
Axel leaned closer to Chloe. "Did you see that? Something bad is happening."
Chloe nodded nervously. "Yes, but what?"
No one else seemed to care. Students walked past, laughing, ignoring what had just happened.
Later that day, in the gym, the bullies gathered again.
"Let's make tonight fun," Damian whispered. "Axel thinks he can escape humiliation? Not a chance."
Sophia grinned. "I'll record again. This time, it will be even better."
The crowd grew as word spread. They wanted to see Axel suffer again.
When Axel entered the gym, he froze. Everyone's eyes were on him.
"Why are you here?" he asked quietly.
"Because this is where you belong," Mason sneered. He shoved Axel hard, and Axel fell to the floor.
Laughter filled the air. Phones were raised, ready to capture his shame.
"Get up, loser," Damian barked.
Axel tried to stand, but Mason pushed him down again.
"Stop it!" Chloe shouted from the corner. "Leave him alone!"
But no one listened. They laughed even louder.
Then suddenly, in the middle of the laughter, Mason began coughing.
At first, it sounded like a joke, but then it grew louder, rougher. His body shook violently. He clutched his chest, gasping for air.
"Mason?" Damian frowned. "What's wrong with you?"
Mason's face turned pale. Sweat dripped down his forehead. He staggered backward. Then, in front of everyone, he collapsed onto the gym floor.
The laughter stopped. Silence filled the gym.
"Mason! Get up!" Sophia shouted, her phone still in her hand.
But Mason didn't move. His eyes rolled back, turning dark. His lips turned blue. He opened his mouth, but instead of words, a low growl escaped.
Everyone stepped back in fear.
"What's happening to him?" Lena cried out.
Evelyn rushed in, her face pale. "Move! Give him space!" she ordered.
But Axel didn't move away. He watched closely. He saw Mason's skin turn grayish, veins popping out on his neck. His nails grew sharper, and his breathing turned into a horrible hiss.
Chloe grabbed Axel's arm. "Something's wrong. He doesn't look human."
Axel whispered, "Was Mason sick all along? Or… is it something else?"
Mason suddenly opened his dark eyes wide and let out a chilling scream that echoed across the gym.
The students screamed, running for the doors.
Axel stood frozen, his torn notebook still in his hands.
Chloe held onto him tightly. "Axel, we need to go!"
But Axel's eyes stayed on Mason, who was now struggling on the floor, changing into something terrifying.
The question burned inside him, louder than the screams around him—
Was Mason sick all along… or was this the beginning of something far worse?