The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Students poured into the cafeteria, eager for lunch. Tiger followed the crowd, his eyes scanning the room. The air felt thick with tension as people gazed at him with a mix of curiosity and fear.
"Who am I to care, anyway?" Tiger thought to himself, a hint of a smile on his lips.
As he waited in line, he bumped into Jackson, the school bully. "Oh, I see you need glasses now," Jackson sneered, his eyes flashing with malice.
"Did anyone lose a giant teddy bear here?" Tiger yelled, his voice carrying across the cafeteria. The room erupted into giggles, and Jackson's face reddened.
"You have a big mouth for a small body," Jackson snarled.
"Says the giant with no brain," Tiger retorted, excusing himself.
"You better watch yourself, kid," Jackson warned, his eyes narrowing.
"I'd say the same to you," Tiger replied, his smile unwavering. "Your life is on the line here."
Jackson's smile faltered, and a drop of sweat trickled down his forehead. "No way did Jackson just sweat," a student whispered.
Enraged, Jackson punched Tiger, sending him stumbling back. Time seemed to pause as Tiger's smile remained, his face smeared with blood.
"Now I don't have to hold back," Tiger said, his voice low and menacing. "Good luck when I fight back."
As Tiger picked himself up, Jackson's eyes widened in fear. "Who are you?" he whispered.
Tiger's smile grew wider. "I'm your worst nightmare."
Tiger walked away, leaving Jackson shaken. As he made his way to the clinic, memories of his mother flooded his mind, and he doubled over, clutching his chest.
After a few moments, Tiger stood up, his eyes locking onto Ruby's piercing gaze. "What do you want?" he asked gruffly.
"Nothing that has to do with you," Ruby replied, her voice cool.
Tiger's grip on her wrist was swift, pinning her to the wall. "Oh, now you want to play with a girl since you can't beat a guy?" Ruby's voice was steady.
Tiger released her, his eyes never leaving hers. "Watch yourself," he warned, walking away. "You can't just run your mouth to any guy you see."