Word of Alex’s confession spread through the school like wildfire. Whispers followed him in the hallways, and he could feel the stares of his classmates. The bullying started subtly at first—snide comments and mocking laughter. But it quickly escalated.

One afternoon, as Alex was walking to his locker, a group of boys cornered him. “Hey, Harper,” one of them sneered. “Heard you have a crush on Ryan. That’s disgusting.”

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Alex’s heart pounded in his chest, but he stood his ground. “Leave me alone.”

The boys laughed, shoving him against the lockers. “What’s the matter? Can’t handle the truth?”

Before things could escalate further, Mia appeared, her eyes blazing with anger. “Back off, you jerks,” she snapped. “Leave him alone.”

The boys hesitated, then slunk away, muttering under their breath. Mia turned to Alex, her expression softening. “Are you okay?”

Alex nodded, though his hands were shaking. “Thanks, Mia.”

She hugged him tightly. “You’re not alone, Alex. We’ll get through this together.”