[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure] Standstill Bonds

Chapter 7 ~ The Confrontation

(TW: This chapter depicts a scene of physical bullying/assault)

Josephine's visits to Jotaro's classroom had quickly become part of her routine, offering a small sense of stability in her adjustment to life in a new country. Over the past three weeks, Jotaro had focused on helping her within the classroom setting, guiding her in both academic and personal growth. His direct and no-nonsense teaching style was balanced by his unexpected support, both in biology and the more unusual realm of Stand abilities.

She had excelled in his biology class, catching his attention for her intelligence and keenness to learn. However, today something was off. Minutes passed beyond the usual time Josephine would arrive for their training, and Jotaro found himself tapping his fingers impatiently on his desk. His brow furrowed as he glanced at his watch for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"Where the hell is she?" he muttered in frustration.

Just then, his lab door creaked open and Josephine finally appeared, Jotaro noticed something was wrong immediately. Her hair was disheveled, almost purposefully covering part of her face, and her usually bright expression was muted. Without the usual pleasantries, he cut to the chase.

"What happened?"

Josephine attempted a weak smile, clearly hoping to downplay whatever had occurred. "It's nothing, just a rough morning."

Jotaro's sharp gaze locked onto hers, his instincts telling him otherwise. "Was it them?" he asked bluntly, obviously referring to the group of bullies he had witnessed tormenting her before.

Caught off guard by his directness, Josephine hesitated before trying to brush it off. "It's not a big deal," she said, her voice light, though her attempt to divert the conversation was pitifully weak.

"Tell me." Jotaro insisted, demanding the truth.

Josephine's mind drifted back to that very morning...

The early light of dawn barely reached the alleyway Josephine was walking down, casting long, creeping shadows across the pavement. The air was moist and mildly chilly that morning as she made her way to school.

"Oi, Josephine!"

Her heart sank the moment she heard the voice behind her; Hiroshi, she remembered him all too well from her rough first day at school. Jotaro pointed out his name back then, and she'd seen him a few times around the school since, but they shared few classes. She carried on walking, trying to ignore him and hoping he would give up and leave her alone. But his footsteps grew louder, faster, and soon, he was beside her, flanked by his usual group.

"Where do you think you're going?" Hiroshi sneered, stepping in front of her and blocking her path. His friends laughed, moving in closer, creating a semi-circle around her. Her pulse quickened, panic slowly creeping in as she realized she was cornered.

"Come on Hiroshi, leave me alone, I'm not in the mood for this," Josephine muttered, her voice low. She tried to push past them, but Hiroshi shoved her back.

"Not in the mood?" he mocked, his grin widening. "You've been dodging me for weeks. Think you're too good for us, huh?"

Josephine's heart thudded in her chest as she glanced around, hoping for an escape route, but there was none, not with her surrounded like that. Her Stand stirred within her, sensing her distress, but she fought to keep it contained. She didn't want to lose control and risk hurting them, even if they were bullies.

"Just let me go!" she demanded, forcing as much authority into her voice as she could muster. She knew it was a long shot.

"Let you go? We haven't even started." Hiroshi stepped closer, his voice dropping into a threatening tone. He reached out, grabbing her arm roughly. "You think you can ignore us, walk around like you're untouchable?"