The storm had been building for days. Hannah had endured the whispers, the notes, the cruel laughter, but each barb had left a scar. She had tried to believe Sara's words, tried to hold on to Lina's kindness, but now her strength was slipping like sand through her fingers.
By Friday morning, the cracks were showing. Hannah stumbled into class late, her hair uncombed, her eyes swollen from a sleepless night. She barely looked at anyone as she sank into her seat.
Emily watched her with keen satisfaction. The girl was unraveling, thread by thread. All she had to do was give one final tug.
The opportunity came during history class. The teacher, unaware of the growing tension, asked the students to pair up for a group project.
Almost everyone scrambled to find partners, voices echoing in the room. Hannah hesitated, clutching her notebook tightly. Before she could approach Lina, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"Not with her," one of Emily's companions sneered, pulling Lina away. "She'll just drag you down."
The class chuckled cruelly. Hannah froze, her chest tightening as heat rushed to her face. She forced herself to stand, but her knees trembled.
The teacher frowned. "Hannah, do you not have a partner?"
Before she could answer, Emily spoke smoothly, her tone laced with venom disguised as pity. "Maybe she should do the project alone. That way, no one else has to suffer."
Laughter exploded again.
Something inside Hannah shattered. She slammed her notebook shut and bolted from the classroom, tears blinding her vision.
Sara stood up immediately, fury flashing across her face. "Enough," she snapped, her voice slicing through the laughter.
The room fell silent.
Her gaze locked on Emily. "You've gone too far."
Emily raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "I was only trying to help. If she can't handle schoolwork, maybe she shouldn't be here."
Sara's hands clenched into fists, but Daniel's calm voice came from behind her. "Sara."
She turned to find him standing close, his eyes steady. He gave the smallest shake of his head. Not here. Not yet.
Sara exhaled sharply, forcing herself to sit down again. But her heart thundered in her chest.
I can't let this continue.
Hannah didn't stop running until she reached the school's empty rooftop. The wind whipped against her face as she leaned against the railing, gasping for breath.
The cruel words replayed in her mind, each one heavier than the last. Snake. Burden. Nobody wants you.
Tears streamed down her cheeks. For a terrifying moment, she thought about climbing over the railing, just to escape the pain.
Her trembling hands gripped the cold metal. Wouldn't it be easier… if I just disappeared?
"Hannah!"
The voice snapped her back. Sara's voice.
She spun around to see Sara rushing toward her, her eyes wide with panic. Without hesitation, Sara grabbed her arms and pulled her back from the edge.
"What were you thinking?" Sara cried, her voice breaking.
Hannah sobbed into her shoulder. "I can't… I can't take it anymore. They all hate me. Even if you stand by me, it won't matter. I'll just keep dragging you down."
Sara tightened her grip, refusing to let go. "You're not dragging me down. Don't you get it? You matter, Hannah. To me. To Lina. To Adrian and Daniel and everyone who sees past their lies. You are not alone."
Hannah shook her head, but Sara cupped her face firmly. "Look at me. Emily wants you broken because she thinks it will break me too. Don't give her that power. Don't let her win."
Hannah's sobs quieted. For the first time, she saw not just pity in Sara's eyes, but unshakable conviction. Slowly, she nodded.
Later that night, Emily sat in her room, scrolling through her phone when she received a message from Grace.
Hannah is still clinging to Sara. You'll need to push harder.
Emily frowned. She had expected Hannah to crumble completely today. Instead, Sara had stepped in, stronger than before.
For the first time, a flicker of doubt touched her mind. But she quickly crushed it.
"No," she whispered to herself, her eyes narrowing. "I won't lose. I'll tear Hannah away from Sara, no matter what it takes."
Meanwhile, Sara gathered her closest circle — Daniel, Lina, Adrian, and Ryo — in the quiet safety of the music room.
"She almost…" Sara's voice faltered as she explained what happened on the rooftop. "If I hadn't found her…"
The group exchanged grim looks.
"We can't let Emily keep this up," Daniel said firmly. "This isn't just bullying anymore. It's dangerous."
Adrian's eyes darkened. "Then it's time we fight back."
Sara looked around at her friends, her determination hardening. "Emily thinks she's breaking us apart. But she's wrong. We'll protect Hannah — and each other. No matter what."
That night, as Hannah lay in bed, drained but comforted by Sara's words, a single thought echoed in her mind.
Maybe I don't have to fight alone anymore.
But far away, Emily plotted her next move — and Grace's words lingered like poison.
The breaking point had come… but the true battle was only just beginning.