The group of boys laugh behind her in the corridor:
"Why is she always so silent?"
"Maybe she doesn't know how to talk."
"Silent topper attitude…"
Normally, she would walk away.
But this time… she stops.
She slowly turns back — no fear, no shouting, just a cold calm that makes everyone freeze.
"You're talking so loudly behind me," she says softly,
"Try saying it in front of me."
The boys weren't expecting a reply at all.
She takes one step closer.
"Silence is not weakness,"
"It's control. Something you clearly don't have."
A light ohhh spreads among the students watching.
The boys fumble,
"We were just—"
Before they can finish, Riya steps beside Aiyumi, crossing her arms.
"Good. Because the next time you 'joke', you'll be apologizing publicly."
The boys fall silent.
Aiyumi looks at them one last time — not scared, not emotional — just done.
And she turns away first.
Mei is stunned (in a proud way),
Riya smirks silently like "that's my girl."
For the first time, people don't see her as weak,
they see her as someone not to mess with.
And that day…
she realizes she doesn't need to be saved —
just supported.
Again they teased her..... Then....
The corridor is loud with chatter and footsteps when Aiyumi, Mei, and Riya are walking back from class. Aiyumi keeps her head low—habit, not fear.
Behind them, a table of boys starts whisper-laughing.
"Look, there goes the mute topper." "Why does she act like she's above everyone?" "Maybe she doesn't have a tongue."
Mei grips her sleeve nervously.
Riya turns slightly—ready to attack.
But before either friend can say a word…
Aiyumi stops walking.
The air changes — from soft to sharp.
She turns around slowly.
Her eyes are calm.
Not angry.
Not scared.
Just… finished.
The boys look confused — they never expected reaction.
She walks toward them—three slow steps.
The hallway falls silent.
"If you're brave enough to insult someone," she says softly,
"be brave enough to say it to their face."
One boy scoffs nervously.
"We were just joking—"
She cuts him off with a small smile — the dangerous kind.
"Jokes are funny.
Insecurities disguised as jokes are not."
The students around start whispering,
realizing she is not the "weak silent girl" everyone assumed.
Another boy mutters,
"Why are you even talking now—"
Aiyumi looks straight at him.
"Because I choose when to speak.
Not when you decide I should."
That hits harder than shouting ever could.
Silence spreads — thick and uncomfortable.
Then Riya steps forward, standing at her side like a sword sliding from its sheath.
"If you want to keep your dignity," she says coldly,
"learn when to shut up."
The boys shift awkwardly. One swallows, looking defensive.
"We didn't mean—"
Aiyumi tilts her head slightly.
"Then next time, think before you open your mouth.
Respect is not optional. It's basic."
Her tone is low, controlled — the kind that makes people feel SMALL.
Mei watches her with new eyes — this isn't a broken girl.
This is a quiet fire.
The boys finally lower their heads.
And then Aiyumi delivers the final blow — soft but lethal:
"I'm silent because I don't waste words.
Learn the difference."
She turns away FIRST.
Not as someone escaping —
but someone above them.
Mei walks beside her proudly.
Riya smirks like she just saw a queen take her throne.
From that day on…
No one dares call her weak again.