The next morning, Ahel searched the classroom without realizing it.
Kabir sat alone by the window.
Ahel went straight to him.
They talked all day. Quietly. Easily. Like it was normal.
At lunch, hands grabbed them both.
"Come."
They were dragged behind the gym.
"Chair."
This time, it wasn't just Ahel.
They shoved Kabir down first. Then Ahel.
Ahel shook his head.
"No."
The punch answered him.
They beat them both—harder, longer. Ahel tasted blood. The world spun. He fell.
Kabir stepped forward.
"Stop."
The punches hit Kabir instead.
Again. And again.
He didn't fight back. He didn't cry. He just stood there, shaking, blocking every hit meant for Ahel.
Eventually, the bullies got bored.
They left.
Kabir collapsed beside Ahel, breathing hard.
"You okay?" Kabir asked.
Ahel couldn't speak.
Someone had stood in front of him.
And nothing felt the same anymore.