It didn't change suddenly.
It changed quietly.
On the second day, the jokes lasted a little longer than they should have. The smiles didn't reach their eyes. Ahel found himself standing while everyone else sat.
During break, he noticed a boy kneeling near the lockers.
Kabir.
He was big. Heavy-set. His hands rested on his thighs, head lowered. A few students stood around him, amused.
Ahel hesitated, then spoke.
"Why are you making him sit like this?"
One of them laughed.
"For fun."
Ahel frowned. His voice dropped.
"But… that's wrong."
The laughter stopped.
"Oh? It's wrong?"
The boy stepped closer.
"Maybe you can teach us what's right."
The punch landed in Ahel's stomach.
All the air rushed out of him. He collapsed, coughing. They laughed, kicked him lightly, mocked him—then turned to Kabir and hit him too, like it was routine.
When they finally left, the hallway was silent.
Later, Ahel woke up sitting on the steps outside.
Something cold pressed into his hand.
"Drink," a voice said.
Kabir stood there, holding another can for himself.
They sat quietly.
"I'm Kabir," he said.
"Ahel."
They talked about games. About random stuff. Nothing important. Everything important.
When school ended, Kabir walked Ahel home.
That night, Ahel lay awake, fear curling in his chest.
What happens tomorrow?