It's getting better. . . right?

I'm confused

(Part 2)

As Damian stepped onto the school grounds, he couldn't help but feel a small amount of relief.

It was like school was the only place where nothing changed. Everyone treated him the same way they've always treated him before.

Even though Damian chose to listen to his heart, he still struggled to accept the fact that people cared for him.

The school was the only place of normalcy he had left.

Suddenly, Damian felt someone push him against a brick wall, driving him down on his knees.

He embraced the pain that he was feeling.

You wanted this.

You deserve this.

His face was forced upwards, causing his eyes to meet his tormentors.

Damian immediately noticed the face of the guy who pushed him.

Max Thornwell.

The guy was Damian's age, 15 years old, yet he towered over Damian with a few inches.

The guy was adequate-looking. There was nothing special about him, blonde hair, brown eyes, and lean-ish build. But, the guy walked with the confidence of Superman. Like he ruled the school and no one could take the throne away from him.

Damian hated him but he didn't say anything. He didn't want to make the situation worse.

If he did, he would get in trouble again. And his father would send him the disappointed look that made Damian feel worthless. Then someone would make a comment about how he isn't fit to be Robin anymore.

Damian needed to be Robin.

The feeling of freedom he felt when he put on the costume made him smile with glee.

If Damian believed in Greek mythology, Robin would be the string of his life. Take Robin away from him and he would be gone. Like a turtle retreating in his shell.

Without Robin, Damian would be a nobody with a family of somebodies.

He would be the shadow that no one notices. The one that everyone forgets. They would only realize he was there when they needed something. Or when they had a comment to make that'll chip away the small amount of confidence he had left.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you, Wayne." Max's voice snarled, "Don't tell me that you're a pussy as well." A cruel smirk settled in the blonde's face as he heard the laughter of his peers echoing around him.

He kicked Damian in the stomach, causing the boy to wheeze in pain in front of the unexpected attack.

The laughter only got louder.

Tears began to form in his eyes but he refused to let them fall.

He would not cry in front of them.

Max leaned in, whispering in Damian's ear so only he could hear what the boy was saying. "Don't you think it's sad that no one is defending you? Never forget the fact that no one likes you. The fact that one loves you." he roughly shoved Damian's shoulder, "Remember your place."

Damian gritted his teeth. His body ached all over and it was like the headache he got a week ago came back.

He forced himself to reach for his backpack, only for someone to grab it right before his hand could even touch it.

His green eyes met cold blue ones.

Michelle Chuxtre.

Damian didn't know much about her. But he heard many people comment about how "hot" or how "fine" she is. He guessed that she was one of those popular kids, meaning that she was probably there to have her fun at tormenting Damian.