Kevin was walking home alone.
The streets were quiet, but something didn't feel right.
A strange weight pressed on his back, as if someone was following him.
His steps quickened. He glanced back—nothing. Yet the feeling only grew stronger.
Suddenly, he bumped into something solid.
His heart dropped.
When he turned his head, a pair of cold, cruel eyes stared back at him.
Kevin stumbled backward and fell. His chest tightened. In front of him stood his worst nightmare—the senior bullies.
There were five of them, surrounding him like a pack of wolves.
At the front, towering over the rest, was their leader—Yoji Lee. A monster in size, feared by many.
Yoji smirked.
"What's your name, kid?"
Kevin swallowed hard. "Kevin."
Yoji's grin widened.
"What's your family name?"
Kevin froze.
His throat tightened. His hands trembled. "I… I don't have one."
The bullies burst into laughter.
"What? You don't even have a family name?"
"Did your mother forget to give you one?"
"Or maybe… you don't even know your family."
Kevin's chest tightened. His lips parted but no sound came.
One of the bullies sneered,
"Why bother asking? Everyone in the village knows—nobody's ever heard his father's name."
Another laughed,
"Yeah, even the elders say his mother never speaks about it. Probably doesn't even have a father."
The bullies roared with laughter.
"Seriously? You don't even know your father's name?"
"Maybe your mother never told you because he was a bad guy."
"Or maybe your mother doesn't even know who your father is."
Laughter erupted around him.
Kevin's fists clenched, his vision blurring with tears.
But amidst the pain, a spark ignited.
"Don't ever talk about my mother like that!" Kevin roared.
Before Yoji could react, Kevin grabbed his collar and slammed a punch into his face.
Yoji staggered back, momentarily stunned, but his shock quickly turned to rage.
He drove his fist into Kevin's stomach—Kevin collapsed, gasping for breath.
Yoji spat on the ground.
"My father is Koji Ray. We know our fathers. You don't even know yours."
The bullies surrounded Kevin, kicking and punching him.
But suddenly—a rock flew through the air, striking Yoji's head.
They all turned.
Two boys approached—Kael Vaylenor and Finn Lewis—Kevin's classmates.
Finn shouted, "Hey! Leave him alone! Why are you picking on him?"
Yoji sneered, "Who are you, losers? Here to get your faces punched too?"
Kael's eyes were calm but sharp.
"You're picking on him because you know he's weaker than you. That's your style, right?"
Yoji growled, "What would you do if you were in his place?"
Kael cracked his knuckles and smirked. "I'd show you."
Kael and Finn fist-bumped, charging into the group.
They fought fiercely, pushing back the bullies.
The others fled—Yoji, bloody and furious, was the last to run.
Kael and Finn helped Kevin to his feet.
Finn grinned, "You okay, Kevin? Where's Rina and Mira? You're usually with them."
Kevin wiped his tears. "They went to the library today… I was alone. Thank you… for helping me."
Kael smiled, "We're classmates. You barely talk to anyone, but from now on, we're friends."
Kevin's eyes widened. "Friends…"
Finn laughed, "Which means next time, we'll come with you when you're about to get punched."
Kevin laughed softly through the pain.
It was the first time he felt this kind of warmth from someone else.
The three of them walked together to the restaurant.
When they arrived, Sayura saw Kevin's bruised face and rushed over.
"What happened?!"
"What happened, Kevin?!" she asked, her voice trembling.
Kevin lowered his eyes and softly said, "Some bullies… they beat me up."
Yuna quickly stepped forward, eyes darting to Kael and Finn, who were standing beside Kevin.
With a sharp voice, she asked, "Kevin, are these the bullies?!"
Kael and Finn instantly panicked, waving their hands.
"No, no! Auntie, we're not the bullies!" Finn shouted.
Kevin shook his head quickly.
"No, Mom! They're my friends. They helped me! They fought the bullies and chased them away."
Yuna and Sayura both relaxed, the tension in their faces melting into relief.
Sayura placed her hand on Kael's shoulder. "Thank you… for protecting him."
Yuna smiled, a little embarrassed. "Sorry for misunderstanding. To thank you both, I'll make you some of my best BBQ."
Kael and Finn lit up, laughing.
"BBQ? Then we'll protect Kevin every day!" Finn grinned.
Kevin smiled softly, his heart feeling strangely full and warm.
For the first time, he wasn't alone. For the first time… he had real friends.
Soon after, Rina and Mira arrived. Yuna immediately scolded them.
"Why did you leave Kevin alone today? You always go home together!"
Mira laughed, "We just went to the library. We thought Kevin would be fine."
But the moment she saw the bruises on his face and the dried blood near his nose, her laughter froze.
Rina's eyes widened in shock. "Kevin… who did this to you?" she asked, her voice trembling with worry.
Before Kevin could answer, Finn quickly stepped in.
"It was some bullies. They ganged up on him. But don't worry, Kael and I showed up just in time—we fought them off and sent them running."
Rina's hands clenched into fists. "Those cowards! How dare they touch my brother?"
Kevin looked at her, surprised by her anger, but before he could say anything—
Mira suddenly smirked, her usual playful self returning.
"Oh… did you cry again today, Kevin?" she teased, poking his bruised cheek gently.
Kevin pouted and crossed his arms. "No, I didn't cry!"
Mira giggled and poked his forehead. "You're getting stronger, huh? But next time, wait for your bodyguards!"
Kael and Finn laughed, and soon, everyone was smiling together.
The moment felt light again. Warm. Safe.
Even though Kevin's face still stung, his heart felt full.
For the first time, he didn't feel alone.
This was just the beginning.
Tomorrow was waiting.