The fluorescent lights of the cafeteria buzzed, casting a harsh, white glare on the scene unfolding before Kyro. Emmie, Alison's sworn enemy, was huddled against the lockers, tears streaming down her face. Alison and Micha, stood over her, their laughter echoing like a cruel symphony.
Kyro's stomach twisted into a knot. It was the first time he'd witnessed this side of Alison. He didn't know her love for James had quickly turned into an obsession. Alison and Micha, seemed to take a perverse pleasure in tormenting Emmie. Today, they were mocking her new haircut, a clumsy attempt at a bob that had left Emmie feeling self-conscious.
"You look like a mushroom," Micha cackled, pointing at Emmie's head.
"Maybe if you used a comb, it wouldn't look so bad, I genuinely don't know what James sees in you." Alison chimed in, her voice dripping with sarcasm and buried anger that was quickly surfacing.
Kyro's fists clenched. He wanted to scream, to tell them to leave Emmie alone, but he was frozen. Fear, a cold, icy grip, held him back. He didn't want to complicate anything in their friendship.
"What are you doing?" his voice asked, finally cutting through the air. Micha and Alison, stood beside Emmie, Alison's face tight with anger. Micha wasn't exactly Emmie's biggest fan, but she always supported Alison, even in her crazy delusions about James, when it mattered.
"Oh, just giving Emmie some fashion advice," Alison smirked, her eyes glinting with malice and hate.
"Leave her alone," Kyro said, his voice firm.
"What are you going to do about it, Kyro, run to James alongside this pathetic trash, Emmie?" Alison scoffed, her voice dripping with dangerous venom.
Micha's gaze flickered to Alison, a silent plea in her eyes. She knew Alison was crossing the line. She was taking it too far.
"It's okay, Alison, leave it be. You're taking it too far." Micha whispered, her voice barely audible. "It's not worth it."
"It's not okay," Alison argued, her voice rising. "You guys should stay out of this."
Kyro and Micha exchanged a look, a flicker of surprise in their eyes. They weren't used to Alison standing up to them.
"Okay fine," Alison said, her voice laced with annoyance. "Whatever." She grabbed Micha's arm and they sauntered away, their murmurs echoing down the hallway.
Kyro let out a tired breath, relief washing over him. He really did not fancy arguing. He turned to Emmie, who was still sniffling, her eyes red and swollen.
"Are you okay?" Kyro asked, his voice soft.
Emmie shook her head, her voice thick with tears. "I hate them," she choked out.
"I know," Kyro said, wrapping his arms around Emmie. "It's not fair."
Micha looked back awkwardly, her gaze shifting from Kyro to Emmie. He watched as Kyro tried to comfort a whimpering Emmie. He found the interaction rather corny but quickly dismissed it because it was the least of her concerns.
"I'm sorry," Kyro said, his voice tight. "I should have come earlier. Micha can be really mean but I didn't expect this from Alison."
"It's okay," Emmie said, pulling away from the hug. "You don't have to."
"But I want to," Kyro said, his voice firm. "I'm not going to let them get away with this. I am gonna have a word with them."
Emmie's eyebrows shot up in surprise after a long thought. She'd never heard Alison talk like this before. Micha had always been the one to stand up for Alison in the past, but now Alison was showing a new side of herself.
"What are you going to do?" Kyro asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
Emmie's eyes met Kyro's, a spark of determination in them. "I'm going to find a way to stop them," she said, her voice unwavering. "I'm not going to let them bully me anymore. I am going to tell James about it. I'm sure he'll do something or warn them. I love Kamau, I really do."
Kyro felt a surge of admiration for Emmie. She was finally standing up for herself. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was glad she was finally fighting back.
"I'm with you," he said, a smile playing on his lips. "We'll figure something out."
Emmie smiled back, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes. They might be facing a tough battle, but they were in this together. And together, they were stronger. And what was more stronger was the love they shared with James,
Or so she thought.