Hallway Heat
Keon had just finished gym when it happened.
He was pulling his bag out of his locker when a hand slammed it shut.
Leo.
With that smug, perfect smirk and the kind of fake confidence that reeked of daddy's money.
"Well, well," Leo said, folding his arms. "Look who thinks he's someone now."
Keon didn't move. "What do you want?"
Leo leaned in. "You think no one noticed? You and Kira, all buddy-buddy now. Bit of a climb, huh? Hanging out with the golden boy."
Keon kept his tone flat. "Get to the point."
Leo's smile sharpened. "Point is, trash should stay in its place. Just because you threw a few punches doesn't make you better. You're still just the loser who hides behind his freaky bodyguard."
Keon's jaw tightened.
---
Kira Interferes
Before Keon could respond, a voice cut in.
"Leo."
Kira. Leaning against a locker. Calm, but with that grin that never meant anything good.
"Picking fights with my friends now?"
Leo scoffed. "I'm not afraid of you, crown prince."
"You should be," Kira said, stepping forward.
Keon grabbed Kira's sleeve. "Not worth it."
Kira raised an eyebrow — but stepped back.
Leo looked between them. His grin faltered just slightly.
"Two broken boys sticking together," he sneered. "How poetic."
Then he turned and walked off, satisfied he'd gotten under someone's skin.
---
Reflection
Later, Keon sat on the edge of the rooftop, his fists still clenched.
Kira plopped down next to him.
"You were gonna hit him, huh?"
Keon didn't answer.
Kira laughed. "Man. I was hoping you would."
Keon exhaled. "I used to hit back every time. Until I realized that's all people like him want. They want the reaction."
Kira nodded. "But… doesn't it still burn? Just letting it go?"
Keon looked at his hands.
"Every time."
---