Katie stood at the edge of the schoolyard, her heart thudding again that familiar heavy rhythm. Rumors had spread fast — whispers, sideways glances — and for once, it wasn't embarrassment about herself that made her chest tighten. It was worry for someone else.
James.
She saw him at the benches, head lowered, eyes shadowed with something too heavy for someone his age. The memory of yesterday's bullying tugged at her, and guilt pricked at her shoulder like an unwelcome reminder — she should have done more… said more… But before she could step forward, footsteps approached beside her.
"Tian?"
He fell into step with her easily, like he had someplace important in mind — and maybe he did.
"Tian… I…" Katie hesitated, gaze drifting to James under the afternoon sun.
Tian followed her look. For a moment, his quiet expression didn't change, but something in his eyes grew gentler — concerned in a way that seemed to hold both steadiness and warmth.
"Let's go," he said softly.
Katie blinked — not because his voice was surprising, but because it felt reassuring. They walked together toward James, the kind of slow, intentional steps that felt like solid courage when your heart was still shaking.
James didn't look up at first, but when they reached him, his shoulders stiffened slightly as if bracing for another sting. But instead of leaving him alone or just offering polite words, Tian knelt beside James.
"Are you alright?" Tian asked — not with judgment or pity, but a calm concern that seemed to reach beyond the surface.
James's eyes flicked up at them — hesitation, uncertainty, and just a small spark of relief all mixed together.
For a moment, there was quiet. Then Tian smiled, just a little — a warm, steady smile that carried more kindness than any sharp words ever could.
Katie felt something shift inside her chest, like a small weight lifting. Tian's support wasn't loud or dramatic — it was steady, sincere… and exactly what James needed.
When James finally managed a small nod, Katie exhaled softly… quietly proud of both of them.
Tian didn't need to say much more. Sometimes just showing up was enough.
And today, he did.
Katie stood in the principal's office, heart pounding as she waited for what felt like the longest minute of her life. The walls — usually so plain and intimidating — seemed to press in on her with every second that passed.
Across from her, the principal cleared his throat, eyes serious but gentle.
"Katie," he began, "I want to sincerely apologize for what happened recently."
Katie blinked, taken slightly off guard. She remembered the misunderstanding from a few days ago — how she'd been blamed for something she didn't do, and how quickly it had escalated. Rumors, assumptions… and worse, the quiet shadow of being misunderstood by teachers and peers alike.
"I made a mistake in how the situation was handled," the principal continued, folding his hands on the desk. "You didn't deserve what happened, and the blame was misplaced. I'm truly sorry."
Katie's breath caught in her throat. She had expected reprimands. Confusion. Maybe even indifference. But not this — not an acknowledgement, not an apology that felt real and sincere.
"I want you to know," the principal added, "that your hard work and your character matter here. What's important is how you treat others — with kindness, courage, and honesty — and I see that in you."
Katie looked down for a moment, warmth blooming in her chest. She felt seen — not for a mistake, not for a rumor — but for who she truly was. And for once, something inside her didn't feel heavy or awkward… it felt light.
When she finally stood up to leave the office, she did so with a quiet, confident step. It wasn't perfection. It wasn't a dramatic victory. But it was real — a small, meaningful moment of acceptance and understanding that made everything feel a little more hopeful.