Alan was playing in the school ground with his friend, Ellie. She tossed the ball toward him, laughing. Alan's gray eyes and white hair made him stand out, unique enough to draw attention.
Bob, a boy Alan's age, watched jealously. He had a crush on Ellie, but she never showed any interest in him. Bob's two friends, Coner and Andrew, stared at Alan for too long.
Bob to Andrew, scowling: "I don't like that boy. He's stealing her attention."
Andrew: "Yeah, how does he even do that? You should be the one by her side."
Coner: "Maybe it's time to show him the layers!"
Bob stood up, clenching his fists. The three of them walked toward Alan.
Alan: "Oh… hey, Bob."
Bob snatched the ball from Alan's hands.
Bob: "I challenge you, pretty boy! If you land one clean hit, I'll admit defeat. But if I beat you first… that girl is mine." He pointed at Ellie.
Alan gulped. He didn't understand why Bob was doing this, but he had no choice. Either way, a beating was coming.
Alan: "Alright… let's do it."
Bob towered over him. Alan raised his fists, shrinking slightly.
Bob: "You attack first. Come on!"
Alan hesitated. He never liked fighting.. but for Ellie, he had to. She was watching, confused and perhaps a little scared.
He yelled and threw a punch at Bob. Bob blocked it easily, mocking him. Andrew and Coner laughed. Bob slapped Alan several times, knocking him to the ground.
Alan stood up again, determination burning in his eyes. This time, he landed a clean hit on Bob's face. Bob staggered, supported by Andrew and Coner. Alan smiled. He had won.
Ellie clapped her hands, happy too. But Bob's eyes told a different story. He didn't accept defeat. Something had changed. This was only the beginning.
The End of Episode 1 — To be continued