After the confrontation, the corridor feels lighter — not because the scene is over, but because the power balance has shifted.
People expected her to stay quiet.
But instead, she showed quiet strength — sharp, collected, impossible to humiliate.
That alone changed how everyone looked at her.
🌸 In the Classroom
When she enters the class, some students glance at her with new respect.
Before, they ignored her.
Now, they notice her.
Whispers float around:
"I didn't know she could speak like that…"
"She wasn't angry, just… confident."
"She's not someone to mess with."
Aiyumi doesn't react. She just sits down.
But Mei leans closer and whispers:
"I am so proud of you…"
(voice soft like she might cry)
Aiyumi gives a small smile — a rare one — the kind only safe people see.
Riya doesn't say anything at first.
She just sits beside Aiyumi with a satisfied smirk.
Ten minutes later, Riya casually says:
"Next time, let me roast them first."
Aiyumi laughs — an actual small laugh.
Not out of politeness — but because she felt understood.
🌱 Something Changes Inside Her
For the first time…
She didn't feel alone after a fight.
She didn't walk away with her head down.
She walked away with support beside her.
She realizes:
"Strength feels different when someone is standing beside you, not behind you."
🌼 The Start of Real Friendship
That afternoon during break, Mei brings her a small chocolate.
"For being brave," she says shyly.
Riya leans back in her chair,
"Brave? She demolished them with grammar and dignity."
Mei giggles.
Aiyumi looks at both of them, quietly absorbing the warmth she has never received from girls before.
Slowly…
She starts feeling something she almost forgot existed:
Belonging.