That day, Bomi stood in class feeling… different.
Still nervous—but not as fragile as before.
She kept remembering Hanz's words from yesterday.
"We'll figure it out. Slowly."
Simple words.
But they stayed with her.
✦ ✦ ✦
During break time, a few classmates gathered around her.
"Bomi, you can help with the class notes again, right?"
"And can you switch cleaning duty with me tomorrow?"
Normally, she would smile and nod.
Normally, she would say it's fine.
This time—
Bomi took a small breath.
"I—I can help with the notes," she said softly but clearly.
"But I can't switch duties tomorrow."
The girls paused.
"…Oh. Okay."
That was it.
No anger.
No drama.
Just… acceptance.
Bomi blinked, surprised by how simple it was.
✦ ✦ ✦
From the other end of the hallway, Hanz watched quietly.
He didn't step in. Didn't interfere.
Just stood there, backpack on one shoulder.
"…Good," he muttered.
Bomi didn't know it.
But for the first time, someone was proud of her—
without needing to tell her.