Just Press Ctrl Z

Chapter 16.1

Ten minutes later, Zen walked out of Julian's department, her heart sinking as she realized he wasn't there. She scanned the area, her eyes darting from one direction to another, desperately seeking any sign of Julian. She rushed to the road facing the basketball court, where she coincidentally reunited with Kai, Raine, and Sean. They were all panting, their faces showing the same defeat. None of them seemed to have succeeded in spotting Julian.

"He's not in his department. I looked everywhere," Zen said, her voice shaking.

Kai let out a heavy sigh. "Let's keep searching. We have to find him," he insisted.

Five minutes later, they reached the secluded area behind the basketball court. And the sight that met their eyes was insanely chilling. A group of students, led by a tall, menacing figure, had Julian cornered.

Zen felt a sudden rush of anger wash over her as she watched Julian huddled against the brick wall, surrounded by the gang of bullies. They loomed over him, their words and mocking laughter filling the air as they tried to trample him into the pavement.

The leader of the bullies inched closer to Julian, his words dripping with venom. "Look at you, Julian," he taunted, "You think you belong here? You're nothing but a weak, pathetic excuse for a man."

The gang of bullies chimed in, firing relentless insults at Julian and attacking his appearance. "Hey, Julian, you look more like a woman than a man! Are you sure you use the right restroom?"

Julian did his best to shield himself from their verbal onslaught, his voice quivering as he tried to hold back tears.

Standing alongside Kai, Sean, and Raine, Zen was overwhelmed by a surge of anger and frustration. She could see those same emotions mirrored in their eyes as they stood clenching their fists.

Kai took a deep breath and stepped forward, his posture exuding authority. "What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, his unwavering gaze acting as a protective shield around Julian.

The leader seemed to be taken aback by Kai's confidence as he tried to regain control of the situation. "Mind your own business, Kai," he spat, attempting to appear unfazed.

"It's everyone's business when someone's safety is at risk," Kai asserted firmly. "Now, step away."

With reluctant grumbles and muttered curses, the bullies began to scatter. Julian slowly rose from the ground, tears still staining his face. Zen's heart ached as she watched him. Julian seemed utterly defenseless in the face of such cruelty and it tore her apart. She felt a burning rage, not just at the bullies, but at the injustice of it all.

With a few quick strides, Sean reached Julian and wrapped his arms around him in a protective hug. All eyes turned towards Sean, stunned by his unexpected gesture. "I'm sorry," he said as he buried his face on Sean's shoulders.

"Hey, Sean, do you know him?" Raine inquired, his confusion deepening as he watched Sean embrace the guy named Julian.

Sean pulled back without a word, frustrating Raine even more. "Can someone fill me in? It feels like everyone else knows something I don't," Raine continued, his jaw tightening.

"You just saw what happened. We'll fill you in later," Sean responded cryptically.

Kai seemed to have sensed the tension as he stepped in, placing a reassuring hand on Raine's shoulder. "Let him calm down, and we'll have a discussion."

Zen stood like a mute spectator from the side trying to connect the dots, becoming increasingly suspicious of the relationship between Sean and Julian. Could it possibly be that the guy Julian kept talking about is...