The 2nd-year B classroom was lit by the sunlight streaming through the windows. The desks arranged in a circle showed that it would be a day of group presentations. Teachers always claimed that "this brings students together," but everyone knew it mostly caused chaos.
Claws sat in the middle of the group, arms crossed. Isa arranged the notes in her pink notebook while Rafa complained:
"— I'm not reading this huge text, okay?"
"— Of course you are," Isa retorted. "We agreed that each of us would read a part."
"— But my part is boring!" Rafa pouted.
Mateus intervened calmly:
"— Then swap with me. I'll read your part, and you take mine."
"— No way! Your part has historical dates. I'll mess everything up!" Rafa replied, earning laughs from the group.
Lucas, already impatient, tapped his pen on the desk.
"— You're taking this too lightly. The presentation counts for a grade, you know?"
Diego patted his back and smiled:
"— Relax, little teacher. It's going to be fine."
At the back of the room, the three bullies were watching. One of them whispered loud enough for everyone to hear:
"— Look at them, the 'goodie-two-shoes' group. Even Claws is hanging out with them. Losing his rep, huh?"
Claws clenched his hand slightly, but Isa noticed and discreetly placed her hand on his.
"— Ignore it, okay? Not worth it."
He took a deep breath and nodded.
It was their turn to present. Mateus went first, confident and steady. Isa read her part calmly and clearly, and Rafa improvised a few lines that made the class laugh. Diego, always laid-back, dropped jokes in the middle, while Lucas kept balance with well-structured explanations.
When it was Claws' turn, silence fell over the room. Many expected him to stumble or know nothing. But he surprised them:
"— History isn't just about dates, but about choices. And sometimes, wrong choices cost dearly. That's why we study the past: so we don't repeat the same mistakes."
Even the teacher fell silent for a few seconds before clapping.
"— Well said, Claws. I liked that."
The group finished their presentation to applause, and even some students who didn't usually hang out with them were impressed. But the bullies' stares made it clear: it wasn't over yet.