‘I won’t let him take my power away anymore.’ Despite the pain, despite Blake’s warm breath on Ash’s face, despite all other lackeys around him, in a swift motion, Ash pulled the rock from his pocket and hurled it at Blake’s head.

‘It’s time to make a stand.’he thought, feeling the adrenaline surge through him.

Ash threw it with aim.

Then he smirked, ‘No matter what happens, my aim never disappoints.’

The rock hit Blake square on the head with a sharp thud. For a moment, everything seemed to freeze, the lackeys, the air, even Ash's heartbeat.

Blake stumbled back, his hand instinctively flying to his head, feeling the spot where the rock had landed.

Blood trickled down from a small cut, and his face contorted with shock.

"Blake!" one of his lackeys yelled, rushing over. Another one hovered behind, clearly uncertain, torn between helping Blake and waiting for orders.

"You okay, man?" The concern in their voices was almost comical to Ash.

For the first time, they didn’t sound so sure of themselves.

They weren’t laughing, they weren’t snickering, just worried.

But Ash couldn’t celebrate. He knew what was coming next.

Blake’s eyes, now burning with fury, locked onto Ash.

His smirk was gone, replaced by an animalistic rage. "You… you little piece of-"

Before Ash could even brace himself, Blake lunged forward, shoving his lackeys aside as if they didn’t exist. His fists clenched, his face red with anger, the calm, taunting Blake had completely vanished.

He looked like he wanted to tear Ash apart.

“You think that’s funny?! You think you can get away with this?!” Blake roared, his voice had an edge to it. His fists were trembling with pure anger now.

Ash felt his knees wobble.

‘That rock might’ve bought me a second, but now he’s furious.’

Blake took a step closer, his lackeys staying back, unsure if they should intervene.

“Look at me!” Blake shouted. “You’re dead. You’re-” But he stopped, wiping the blood from his head.

His eyes flickered between anger and something darker. “You’re gonna regret that for the rest of your life.”

Ash knew he had only two choices: either fight back, even if he didn’t stand a chance, or run. But something in him refused to take the second option. Blake could hit him all he wanted, but he wouldn’t back down.

‘Someone has to face him today, or tomorrow, so, it will be me.’

Blake’s furious eyes burned into him. "You think that rock’s enough?”

Blake’s voice was low, dangerous, and he was coming closer every second.

And then Blake struck.

The first punch landed hard against Ash’s ribs, knocking the wind out of him. Ash gasped for air, doubling over, but Blake wasn’t finished.

A second punch slammed into his stomach, and then another to his face. The world spun around him, his vision blurred, but the pain was all too real.

‘I’m such a fool.’ The adrenaline that had fueled him moments ago drained away, leaving behind the cold realization that he was in over his head.

This was gonna end badly.

And Ash had realized it.

‘Why didn’t I run?’ Ash’s thoughts were jumbled, coming in fragments between the blows. ‘I could’ve run… but I didn’t. I just stood here like an idiot, thinking I could fight back.’

Blake grabbed him by the collar, pulling him close. “You’re done, brat,” he hissed, his breath hot against Ash’s face.

And then he let go, shoving him to the floor like he was nothing.

Ash crumpled onto the cold tiles, his body aching from the impact. He tried to move, tried to stand, but Blake was already towering over him again. He turned to his lackeys, who had been watching in silence. "What are you standing there for? Get him!"

Ash’s heart sank.

He had expected Blake’s fury, but not this.

One by one, the lackeys stepped forward, their expressions uncertain, but they followed orders. A kick to his side sent sharp pain through his ribs, and then another hit his back.

‘This is it.’ Ash thought, as the world became a haze of pain and muffled voices. ‘This is what it feels like to be defeated.’

As Ash lay on the cold, hard floor, something inside him broke.

Not physically, although his body ached with every kick, every punch, but deeper.

Maybe he was wrong.

Maybe fighting back isn’t as simple as standing up and throwing a rock. Maybe bravery isn’t enough.

‘I thought standing up to someone like Blake would somehow change everything. But the truth is… it wasn’t that easy. It never is. There’s a certain cruelty in the world, a certain way it breaks people down when they try to rise up.’

And as Blake’s lackeys circled him like vultures, raining down hit after hit, Ash just… took it.

His body was trembling, his breaths shallow and ragged.

But he wasn’t crying out or begging for mercy.

No, Ash was too proud for that.

He was too stubborn.

Maybe that’s what got him into this mess in the first place.

His eyes showed what he truly felt, regret, doubt.

Was it worth it? Was this worth the pain?

But as the kicks and punches continued, as his body curled in on itself in a futile attempt to shield against the blows.

And then he remembered,

.

.

“You need to chill out. You can’t just go around picking fights with guys like Blake. It’s not worth it. This isn’t some action movie. You think this makes you tough?”

.

.

‘Lucas was right, I’m a fool for thinking I could fight this.’ he thought, drifting further away, feeling the cold embrace of defeat wrap around him. ‘But at least I tried. At least I stood up, if only for a moment.’

And maybe, in a world as unforgiving as this one, that counts for something.

But as Blake stood over him, smirking with satisfaction, and the others slowly backed off a bit, Ash wondered, ‘At what cost?’

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—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Okay, okay, good work, get back!” Blake clapped his hands, while appreciating his lackeys, and they all stepped back.

Blake took a step closer, his shadow swallowing Ash whole. “Let me make one thing clear.” he said, lowering his voice to a dangerous whisper. “You’re nothing but a little brat in my way. Don’t think for a second that throwing a rock changes anything. Next time, I won’t go easy on you. You’ll regret crossing me.”

The threat hung heavy in the air, and Ash felt the fear crawling back into his chest.

‘What did I expect? That a rock would scare him off?’

Blake leaned down slightly, his face inches from Ash’s. “Just remember this moment. Next time, think twice before you try to act tough.”

With one last look, Blake straightened up and turned on his heel, his lackeys following him suit, pushing the door open. “Oh, and good luck explaining this to the teachers.” he called over his shoulder, a hint of mockery lacing his words.

As the door swung shut behind him, Ash felt a mix of anger and relief flood through him.

‘I’m a fool, I should stop.’

Ash lay there, utterly spent, each breath feeling heavier than the last. The world around him was fading in and out of focus, and he could barely register anything around him.

‘So this is how it ends.’ he thought, the darkness closing in. ‘Just lying here, forgotten.’

Ash really wanted to chuckle at his dramatic thought, but he knew it wasn’t wrong.

The silence wrapped around him like a heavy blanket, and for a moment, he welcomed it. But then the sound of the door creaking open pulled him back from the brink.

“Hah?! What happened here?” an unfamiliar voice asked.

Ash tried to move and look up, but his body felt like it was weighed down by lead. He heard footsteps coming closer to his battered form, the sound sharp and urgent.

“Hey, are you okay?” The student asked, bending down to peer at Ash’s face, slight concern etched across his features.

Ash forced his eyes to focus, and as they adjusted, he recognized him.

‘Alex.’ Ash remembered.

Alex was a senior, a member of Blake's class and the class representative.

Blond hair, black eyes, round glasses, and a slim body.

His aura was like a warm light cutting through the darkness. It was calm yet unwavering, a gentle force that somehow made Ash feel a little safer.

Alex radiated confidence, not the kind that screamed for attention, but the kind that said, I’ve got your back.

‘How does he do that?’ Ash wondered.

He always seemed like the kind of guy who had everything together, juggling responsibilities with a smile.

What a tough job he had, right?

But right now, Ash couldn’t muster the strength to respond.

“Can you hear me?” Alex asked, his voice steady and soothing.

Ash managed a slight nod, a flicker of acknowledgment, but it took all his energy.

“Good.” Alex said, relief washing over his features.

He quickly moved to sit beside Ash, the warmth of his presence a contrast to the chill that surrounded him.

“Here, drink this.” He handed Ash a small bottle of water, unscrewing the cap and tilting it gently to Ash’s lips.

Ash drank.

‘I’ve always heard that Alex stands up to Blake and his lackeys, and that he is also against the trend of bullying in this school. Wonder how he knew I would be here. It’s my first time meeting him in person.’ Ash thought while drinking water.

It was cold and soothing, and Ash found a bit of courage in him.

After he finished drinking, Alex helped him sit up.

“So, did Blake do this?” Alex asked, while taking into account the bruises on Ash’s face and arms, and his dirty uniform.

‘Ah, don’t remind me of him-’

“I know, Blake can be such a jerk sometimes, and he has got to stop acting like he owns this school, or he’s gonna pay.” Alex answered his question himself.

‘Heh, sometimes?, No-No, Blake is a jerk all the time.’

“Oh, I’m so rude. I’m Alex, and I believe you are..?” Alex asked, smiling.

“I-I’m Asher.” Asher now realized his throat was hurting.

“Nice to meet you, Asher,” Alex said, his smile warm and inviting. “So, did Blake really do this?”

Ash nodded slightly, still feeling the sting of his bruises.

“Yeah, I figured he might’ve been the one,” Alex said, shaking his head. “He’s a real piece of work. But you shouldn’t let him get to you. It’s not worth it.”

“Easier said than done,” Ash muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He stared at the floor, feeling the weight of frustration and exhaustion settling in his chest.

‘The least thing I want now is to get a lecture, I want a nap, and a warm cup of-’

“Hey.” Alex said gently, “I get it. It’s tough.”

Was it really?

Was it really that hard to keep on pushing, to try?

“I don’t know…” Ash trailed off, unsure of what to say.

The thought of facing Blake again felt daunting.

Alex leaned closer, his expression earnest. “Yeah, yeah, I know.”

Then he continued, “There was this one time when Blake bullied me too, and you know what?”

‘Now he is gonna say something like, ‘I stood up for myself, and happily ever after’, but I don’t wanna listen to that crap right now-’

“It really sucked.” Alex chuckled.

“...What?” Ash certainly wasn’t expecting this outcome.

“It sucked, and I hated it. And I won’t say it is easy. But I’ll let you in on a secret, okay?”

Alex leaned closer.

“Yeah?”

“Blake hates it when someone stands up to him, you know? He feeds on fear. The catch is when you face him, be fearless, and he’ll stop messing with you.”

“It doesn’t work.” Ash replied, remembering the first time he had an encounter with Blake.

“Yeah, it sounds silly. But it works, and I'm living proof of it.” Alex pointed towards himself.

‘This guy is seriously….stupid.’

“And next time you face Blake, show you don’t care, or you can tell me if he threatened you-”

“No.” Ash abruptly halted.

“..No what?” Alex asked, confused.

“Nothing like that happened.” Ash managed out, thankful to Liam and Carter they didn’t mention Noah to Blake.

“Okay, but still, if people like you back down, others won’t stand up.”

“People..like me?” Ash asked.

“Yeah, people like you.” Alex knocked on Ash’s chest with his index finger, “People like you, who suffer pain silently, who show they don’t care, but do actually, people who are wise, and at the same time…stubborn and dumb.”

‘Was that a compliment?’

“Is that a bad thing?” Ash asked, tilting his head a bit.

“No, it’s an admirable quality, Asher. And seriously, be proud of yourself for that.” Alex was now standing up.

Ash looked at him, his black onyx eyes sparkling a bit.

“Now, let’s get you to the nurse’s office, okay?” Alex asked, jerking the dust off his shirt.

“I-I can’t move…yet.” Ash replied, a bit embarrassed and accepting defeat.

‘I’m such a loser, just move.’

“O-oh, then I’ll help you. Just lean on me.” With a firm grip, Alex supported him, urging Ash to shift his weight onto him.

‘Great job at embarrassing yourself, Asher!’

As they made their way to the nurse’s office, Alex said to Asher, “Hey, don’t worry about the teachers, I’ll handle it, and just…don’t face Blake today, okay?”

“Yeah.” Ash replied, a bit flustered.

‘With that, one day of suffering is finally over, 8/10 for damage, 1/10 for personal space. Not bad, Asher, not bad.’

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘I get it. I look terrible right now, but please, stop looking at me like I’m a delinquent or something like that.’

Ash was currently walking back home from school, and people were throwing at him all kinds of glances; concerned, disgusted, and hateful.

Ash tightened his hold on the straps of his white backpack, and thought, ‘I’m so glad Alex didn’t stick with me until I reached home, God, that was uncomfortable.’

And then Ash waited, because he knew the moment he’s gonna enter home, there would be chaos.

“ASH!”

Ash suddenly startled and looked over his shoulder.

‘Oh god, please, no! Lily, of all people?’

He quickened his pace and behaved like he didn’t even hear her.

“ASH!” Lily wasn’t giving up either, she was running at full speed, concern etched on her face.

Ash stopped in his tracks.

‘Might as well face her now, or she’s gonna follow me to the house.’

Lily had finally caught up to him.

“Oh my God! Asher, what happened?! To your face?!”

“Nothing of much importance.” Ash replied, mentally laughing at himself.

“Did dad do this-” Lily asked in a whisper.

‘Lily, there are other things cruel in this world than dad-’

“For god’s sake Lily, dad is behaving okay. Now if you’ll excuse me, I am going home, I’ve had a rough day already.” Asher replied, rather harshly, and started to walk without waiting for her response.

“Hey Wait!”

But Asher was already walking away from her.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Oh my god! Asher, what happened!? To your face?!”

As forced himself to stop chuckling because of how familiar Lily and his mom were.

“Nothing, I just fell.”

“You what! You fell on that day in the market, and today too?!” His mom wasn’t buying it.

“...Yeah.” Ash blurted.

‘I should stop worrying her and lying to her. Thank god Dad is on a business tour overseas, or I was gonna get it for real.’

“You should really start being more careful, do you fall very often-...”

“Mom, I’m not hungry, I’m going to rest.”

“You can’t do that!” She exclaimed at how reckless Asher was.

But Asher was already in his room, his mom’s scolding heard only as a background.

He threw himself on the bed.

His face was bruised, but thanks to the first-aid, he was feeling okay. His arms were bruised too, but his sleeves did a good job covering them.

His head was pounding, and his right leg was throbbing with pain.

He was feeling sleepy thanks to the medicine from the nurse.

‘Man, If this is gonna happen every now and then, then I’m going to get grounded-’

Ash thought while he welcomed the darkness engulf him, and drifted off to sleep.