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Chapter 14 - Chapter 14: Friendship

The cafeteria buzzed with noise, trays clattering, and voices rising as students laughed and ate in their own corners. The scent of hot meals lingered in the air, blending with the faint metallic tang of the school's recycled ventilation system.

Jerry carried his tray with careful hands. He looked thinner than usual, his eyes dull from lack of rest, his shoulders weighed down with something heavier than just hunger. He had only one plate of food, a modest portion compared to the mountain of meals he usually consumed.

Just as he found a quiet corner, a looming shadow fell over him.

"Hey, kid," Brock's voice rumbled, sharp and demanding. His presence was overwhelming, broad shoulders blocking the light above. "Give me your lunch." His tone was laced with the kind of intimidation that made weaker students shrink.

Jerry froze, clutching the tray tighter. His voice trembled, though he tried to steady it. "I'm sorry… I can't. This is all I have now. Please." He turned slightly, hoping to walk away.

Brock's brows furrowed. His anger simmered. "You're a rich kid. Can't you just buy another? Hand it over."

Jerry shook his head, steps faltering. "I don't want to buy another. Please…"

The moment he tried to slip past, Brock's hand lashed out, knocking against the tray. The food wobbled dangerously, threatening to spill across the floor. Gasps erupted from nearby tables.

But before the food could fall, a hand caught it in midair.

It was Johnson.

He moved reflexively, balancing the tray with surprising grace, then set it back into Jerry's shaking hands. His sharp eyes locked onto Brock. His voice was firm, low, and unwavering.

"Leave him alone."

The cafeteria hushed for a moment. Brock's sneer widened as he turned, only to recognize the boy standing before him.

"Well, well," Brock spat, his grin cruel. "Look who we have here. The anomaly. The kid without even a spark of power. Not strength, not energy. Nothing."

A wave of laughter rippled through the cafeteria.

"Who does that shrimp think he is?" someone jeered.

"The kid wants to start a fight he can't finish!" another shouted.

"Brock, beat his ass and show him who's boss!" the crowd roared.

Johnson's fists clenched at his side. His heartbeat quickened, but he didn't back down. He stepped between Jerry and Brock, his voice steady despite the ridicule.

"He said no. He's not giving you his food. Leave him."

Brock folded his arms across his chest, towering above Johnson. "And what are you going to do about it, huh?" His smirk grew darker when he noticed teachers turning their heads toward the commotion. He leaned closer, his breath hot against Johnson's ear.

"After school," he whispered. Then he straightened, walking away with mock laughter, leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation of the inevitable clash.

Johnson exhaled, his body tense until Brock finally disappeared into the sea of students. Turning back, he placed a hand on Jerry's shoulder, his voice softening.

"Hey, are you okay?" He gestured toward an empty bench and guided Jerry to sit with him.

Jerry nodded faintly. "Thanks."

Johnson tilted his head, almost confused. "For what?"

"For standing up for me," Jerry admitted quietly. "My parents… they seized my allowance a few days ago. I've been running low. this" he gestured to his plate "is all I've been able to afford."

Johnson frowned, leaning in, curiosity lighting his expression. "Why would they do that?"

Jerry hesitated before sighing. "I wasted half a million dollars on a project. It failed. My dad cut me off completely after that." His voice was tinged with regret.

Johnson fell silent for a moment, then smiled, his energy returning. "That's rough. But hey, can we be friends like you said earlier today?"

Jerry blinked. "I don't mind… but why?"

Johnson chuckled, patting his friend's shoulder. "Haven't we been friends for years already? Let's just keep it that way. This time, though, we'll protect others from bullies."

Jerry raised a brow. "Others? I thought you'd say yourself or me."

Johnson smirked, his eyes glinting. "Nah, I don't need protecting. But if a bully stronger than you shows up, I'll kick his ass."

Jerry laughed softly, though there was something pained in his gaze. "Still thinking that way about yourself, huh? You really don't change." He eyed the pile of empty plates stacked before Johnson. "But honestly, I'm more surprised you finished five plates in such a short time."

Johnson burst into laughter, carefree and unbothered. "You aren't so bad yourself."

From across the cafeteria, Joyce leaned back against a wall, her eyes fixed on Johnson. A thoughtful frown curved her lips, her arms crossed as if to hold back her curiosity.

"Johnson Stones…" she whispered under her breath. Her voice was laced with wonder and suspicion. "What exactly are you?"

The light in the cafeteria dimmed as if the world itself leaned in to listen to her question.

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