MISS NOBODY STRIKES BACK

The bullies

The next day, I woke up early and headed to school. After my lectures, I went to the school cafeteria.As I saw Ivan approaching me and taking a seat next to me, I noticed that everyone in the cafeteria was looking at us. I prepared myself for their usual laughter, but to my surprise, they didn't. Their reactions were strange; they all seemed to view me as if I were sitting with a king. Despite their potential judgment, I reassured myself that their opinions didn't matter.

Unbeknownst to me, their attention was focused on Ivan sitting beside me. The murmurs around me made it clear that they were questioning why he would choose to sit next to someone with an "ugly face" and deemed his actions as beneath him.
The cafeteria was abuzz with whispers and disapproving glances as everyone questioned Ivan's actions. I was taken aback, feeling bewildered as I didn't even know who Ivan was beyond his handsome appearance and student status. Sensing my discomfort, Ivan reassured me, "Don't be scared, okay?" I mustered a smile in response.We had a chat during lunchtime before I headed back to class. As I sat in class, a group of girls entered and made a beeline for me."What is your relationship with Ivan?" they asked.I was so shocked by everything happening that I couldn't find the words to respond. "Are you deaf?" asked one of the girls. "In a shaky tone, I replied, "Ivan is my friend." They all burst into laughter. The first girl looked angry as she questioned, "How could Ivan, the most handsome man in the school, become friends with an 'ugly face' like you?" I remained silent, not knowing how to respond."Stay away from Ivan, or else," they warned before leaving. I couldn't believe it. As everyone in the class laughed, I felt tears welling up in my eyes. Overwhelmed, I hastily left the classroom, consumed by my emotions.As I ran to the school garden, tears streaming down my face, someone hugged me and whispered, "It's okay, Suana." The voice sounded familiar.