Don’t mess with me, I'm not your victim anymore!

The vast city felt like an unfamiliar world to me, someone new to these streets.

I walked along the dimly lit streets, aimlessly, with no particular destination in mind.

A few drunken men staggered toward me, their words laced with lewdness: “Hey there, little miss, all alone?”

I furrowed my brow, remained silent, and clutched my bag tighter as I stepped back.

Just as one of their hands was about to reach for me, I was suddenly enveloped in a warm embrace. A deep, magnetic voice rang above my head, “What do you think you’re doing? I’ll call the cops if you don’t back off.”

The men’s faces shifted, and they muttered insults as they stumbled away.

Still shaken, I quickly turned to thank the person who had helped me.

He gave a gentle smile, ruffling my hair, and said, “Out this late, huh? Why aren’t you headed home?”

I lifted my gaze to meet his striking, almond-shaped eyes. I heard myself say, “I don’t have a home.”

Since the moment Margaret passed, I had lost any sense of belonging.

The man in front of me blinked in surprise, opening his mouth as if to say something, but the words didn’t come.

I forced a faint smile, self-deprecating, and said, “Thanks for tonight.”

As I turned to leave, he quickly grabbed the sleeve of my jacket. I looked back to find him hesitating before finally blurting out, “How about you come to my place?”

Seeing my silence, he quickly added, “Don’t worry, I’m not some creep.”

I didn’t refuse his kindness. Unlike Evelyn’s cramped two-bedroom apartment, his home was spacious and inviting.

He handed me a glass of warm water and softly said, “My parents are out of town. Feel free to make yourself comfortable.”

I nodded, watching him carefully make the bed in the guest room, a warmth spreading in my chest.

As he reached the door, he turned and said, “I’m Leo Haddington. And you are?”

“Elise Winter.”

He smiled at my answer. “Elise, goodnight.”

The next day was my first day at school. I woke up early, and when I opened the door, I found Leo already sitting at the table, eating breakfast.

He was surprised to see me awake so early. “Elise? You’re up already?”

I took the slice of bread he handed me and replied, “I’m reporting to my new school today.”

“New school?” He poured me a glass of milk and asked, “Which school?”

“Merit High School. Do you know it?”

His hand paused as he looked up at me. “What a coincidence. Elise, we’re at the same school. Want to go together?”

I nodded.

On the way there, I sat on the back of his bike, distracted by the way his coat fluttered in the wind.

When we arrived at the school, he slung his backpack over one shoulder and asked, “Do you know which class you’re in?”

I racked my brain, recalling what Evelyn had mentioned over dinner last night. Unsure, I said, “I think it’s Class 8 of Senior Year.”

He nodded. “I know your homeroom teacher. I’ll take you to find him.”

As we entered the building, we ran into Liam, who was coming down the stairs with a stack of papers.

He saw me and frowned. “Elise? What are you doing here?”

Leo, sensing the hostility in Liam’s tone, stepped in between us. “Who’s this?”

I answered blankly, “I don’t know him.”

Liam let out a mocking laugh upon hearing my response. He seemed to have come to some realization and asked, “You’re not here to study, are you?”

He glanced at my backpack and burst into laughter. “Well, well, well. Didn’t know! My mom already refunded your tuition fees! How shameless of you to show up for class.”

I stumbled backward in shock, but Leo was quick to catch me.

My mind went blank as I ignored Liam’s mockery and turned to Leo. “Take me to the homeroom teacher.”

No one would take away my right to education. If that happened, I would fight for it on my own.