~~CHAPTER 5~~

Taehyung and his friends made their way to the cafeteria, the atmosphere buzzing with energetic chatter. Laughter erupted from various tables, creating a facade of normalcy within the vibrant school life. Despite this, Taehyung maintained a level of awareness, the looming tensions from outside still nagging at him.

Meanwhile, Y/N and her friends had strategically positioned themselves in an inconspicuous spot, intent on observing the students as they mingled. The camaraderie amongst the crowd offered a sense of comfort, yet Y/N's instincts screamed that they needed to be vigilant.

As they surveyed the cafeteria, Y/N's attention was abruptly drawn to a scene unfolding at a nearby table. Irene, a popular girl with a reputation for being merciless, had targeted a quieter classmate named Mia. Y/N's eyes darkened with concern as she watched.

**"Look at her, sitting all alone. Seriously, who does she think she is?"** Irene scoffed, her friends cackling in agreement.

Y/N's heart sank as she saw the fear flicker in Mia's eyes, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. The tension in Y/N's chest tightened when Irene suddenly grabbed a cup of juice and tossed it directly at Mia's face, the sticky liquid soaking her hair and clothes.

Y/N's heart pounded as she witnessed the tension escalate. When she saw Irene's hand poised to slap Mia, a protective instinct surged within her. She moved swiftly, gripping Irene's wrist tightly from behind, halting the impending blow.

**"Miss Irene, you're crossing your limits,"** Y/N said, her voice low and seething with authority.

Irene whirled around, her eyes flaring with indignation. **"Oh really? Who do you think you are? Just a merry professor?"** The mockery dripped from her words, but it only fueled Y/N’s resolve.

Feeling the anger boil within her, Y/N leaned in closer, her voice steady as she delivered a warning. **"It won’t take a second for me to cross my limits and dig your grave, Miss Wolverine."**

Shock registered on Irene’s face, momentarily stealing the fire from her cheeky demeanor.

Y/N's eyes, usually a soft hue, shimmered with the flash of dark purple energy, a warning color that reminded every observer of the immense power she wielded. For a fraction of a second, a faint glow radiated from her, setting her apart as more than just a mere professor.

Irene’s bravado faltered, and she instinctively pulled her arm away, the heat of Y/N's grip lingering. **"What are you?"** she stammered, her bravado crumbling in the face of Y/N's power.

**"What I am doesn’t matter as much as how you choose to treat others,"** Y/N rebuked, her voice calm but firm, barely masking the fury she felt towards the cruel actions she had just witnessed.

Lisa and the others stood by Y/N's side, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and anger.

**"You think it's funny to make someone feel this way? Bullying is not humor; it’s an attack on someone's very being,"** Y/N spoke, her voice firm yet laced with compassion for Mia.

Irene's bravado faltered, and her friends shifted uncomfortably, realizing they had crossed a line witnessed by someone far more significant than just another classmate. Y/N stepped closer, the energy in the room shifting as her presence filled the space.

**"You need to understand that this behavior is unacceptable. Period."** Y/N’s gaze bore into Irene, the flicker of elemental power waiting just beneath her calm exterior.

Responding to the pressure, Irene stammered, her confidence evaporating. **"I-I was just joking! It doesn’t mean anything."**

Y/N remained unyielding. **"It means a lot. Words and actions have power. You might think it's harmless fun, but look at Mia. That was cruel."**

With a final, lingering look, Y/N softened her grip, but her warning remained etched in the air. **"Remember, your actions have consequences. Choose wisely."**

As Mia wiped her damp face with trembling hands, the cafeteria began to murmur. Y/N turned to her, softening her tone. **"Mia, I want you to know that you are not alone. You have friends, and you deserve respect. Always."**

At that moment, Taehyung stepped forward, having observed the entire encounter. **"We stand against bullying,"** he declared, his voice strong. **"You shouldn’t have to endure that, Mia. No one should."**

The atmosphere shifted from one of tension to support as the other students began to rally around Mia, murmuring their agreement. Irene backed away, her bravado dissolving under the collective gaze of their peers.

As the chaos settled, Y/N turned to Mia. **"Are you alright?"**

Mia nodded, tears glistening in her eyes but no longer from fear. **"Thank you, Professor Y/N."**

Y/N extended her hand in support, pulling Mia up and giving her a reassuring smile. **"You’re not alone. We stand together."**

**"Let’s clean this mess up and get Mia a change of clothes,"** Jennie said, moving toward the distressed girl. **"We’ll help you. No one deserves to feel this way."**

As relief washed over Mia’s face, Y/N felt a warmth swell in her heart. Every moment they spent standing up for each other mattered; it created a culture of strength against the shadows that threatened their world.

With lessons learned, Y/N sent her friends to help Mia while she turned to the group. They had taken a stand together, reinforcing the bonds that would ultimately protect them all.

In confronting adversities, whether external or internal, the true strength of their alliance shone. They were more than just individuals—they were a force, preparing to tackle whatever challenges loomed ahead.

As the cafeteria gradually returned to normal, laughter re-emerged, but it held a different resonance now. A newfound essence of unity and support infused the air, reinforcing the belief that together, they could face the unknown.

~~to be continued ~~

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