Chapter 4

Norman

My eyes flicked toward the person standing next to Nico—Elsa Steward. She was staring at me, her expression soft with pity. My chest tightened. If there was one thing I hated more than the bullying, it was the pity. It made me feel smaller, weaker, like a broken object people only glance at out of guilt.

I shifted my gaze away, focusing instead on Jackson’s towering figure. His smirk was smug, his confidence unshaken, and his lackeys stood behind him, laughing as though they were part of some comedy show.

“Leave him alone, Jackson,” Nico’s voice cut through the air like a blade. I hadn’t even noticed him stepping forward until now. He moved between me and Jackson, his shoulders squared, his expression firm.

“What’s this?” Jackson sneered, his tone mocking. “The great Class President playing hero now? Don’t tell me you’ve got a soft spot for this loser.”

Nico didn’t flinch. “I said, leave him alone.” His voice was steady, but there was an edge to it—controlled anger simmering beneath the surface.

I was still on the floor, my body aching from Jackson’s shove. My mind raced, trying to process what was happening. Why was Nico stepping in? He barely knew me. People like him didn’t get involved in things like this.

Jackson chuckled, glancing back at his lackeys as if to say, Can you believe this guy?  “Oh, I get it. Trying to score some points with Elsa, huh? Is that it?” He tilted his head toward Elsa, who was now watching the scene unfold with wide eyes.

“This has nothing to do with Elsa,” Nico replied sharply. He turned his head slightly to glance down at me, his hand outstretched. “Come on, Norman. Get up.”

I stared at his hand, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. His gesture felt heavier than it should have, like it wasn’t just about standing up—it was about more. Trust, maybe. Or the start of something I wasn’t ready for.

But I didn’t want this. I didn’t want his help. I didn’t want their pity.

I pushed myself up without taking his hand, brushing the dust off my uniform as I rose to my feet. My legs were shaky, my pride bruised, but I managed to stand on my own.

“I don’t need your help,” I muttered, avoiding Nico’s eyes.

“Norman—” he started, but I cut him off.

“I said I’m fine.” My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t care.

Jackson snickered, clearly enjoying the tension. “See, even he doesn’t want you here, Nico. Go back to your perfect little world and leave us alone.”

“Back off, Jackson,” Nico warned, his tone colder now. For a split second, I thought I saw something flicker across Jackson’s face—hesitation, maybe? But it was gone as quickly as it came.

Elsa finally stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “Jackson, this has gone far enough. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

Jackson scowled, his confidence wavering under her sharp gaze. He muttered something under his breath, then motioned for his lackeys to follow him. “Whatever. Let’s go.”

As they walked away, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. The tension lingered, though, thick and suffocating.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I said quietly, directing my words at Nico.

“Someone had to,” he replied simply.

I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. My thoughts were a tangled mess, and the ache in my body was nothing compared to the storm brewing in my head.

Elsa stepped closer, her gaze soft but steady. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t need your pity,” I snapped, harsher than I meant to.

Her expression didn’t change, though. If anything, she looked… understanding. “It’s not pity,” she said gently. “It’s concern.”

I looked away, unsure of how to respond. I heard footsteps approaching and assumed it was a teacher. Without another word, I turned and walked toward my desk, leaving them both behind.

But as I walked, I couldn’t shake the image of Nico’s outstretched hand or the way Elsa had looked at me—not with judgment, but with something else entirely.

For the first time, I wondered if maybe—just maybe—they weren’t like everyone else.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***