Bular x oc: Red Eyes

part 4: The Bully

The gymnasium buzzed with tension as Kai faced off against the blonde bully. His sneer had only deepened after her initial retort, and now he was clearly itching for a fight.

Kai's eyes narrowed, centuries of experience allowing her to read his body language with ease. "I've been called worse things by better people," she said, her voice cool and steady. "And honestly, you could have come up with something a bit more interesting to say than 'you look like a freak'."

The blonde's face contorted with rage. He lunged forward, trying to grab Kai's shirt. "What did you just say to me, newbie?"

With a grace that belied her apparent age, Kai sidestepped his grasp. A crowd began to form around them, students whispering and pointing as the confrontation escalated.

The bully's frustration grew with each failed attempt to grab Kai. She weaved and dodged, her movements fluid and precise. Some of the watching students began to laugh, further infuriating the blonde.

"Ugh! Why won't you just stand still!" he roared, lunging once more.

Kai deftly avoided him again, a cocky grin spreading across her face. "Why don't you stand in the road?" she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

With a guttural growl, the bully launched himself at Kai. This time, instead of dodging, she dropped low and swept her leg out, catching him behind the knees. The blonde crashed to the hardwood floor with a resounding thud.

Before he could recover, Kai crouched beside him, pressing his head against the floor. She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper that only he could hear.

"I'm feeling merciful today, so I'll let you go. But if you try this again, you will regret it." The threat in her voice was unmistakable, centuries of danger and power barely concealed beneath her youthful exterior.

Kai stood, brushing off her gym clothes as if nothing had happened. She turned to Jim and Toby, who were staring at her with a mixture of awe and concern.

"What the heck did you say to him, Kai?" Toby asked, his eyes wide.

Kai smiled sweetly, a stark contrast to the fierceness she had just displayed. "Something scary," she said dismissively, glancing over her shoulder at the dispersing crowd.

Coach Lawrence's booming voice cut through the chatter as he pushed through the gathered students. "Palchuk! What is going on here?"

Before anyone could respond, Claire stepped forward, her face a mask of innocence. "He tried picking on the new girl and fell," she said, her voice sweet as honey. She caught Kai's eye and winked.

Kai returned the wink with a grin, watching as 'Palchuk' – she now had a name for the bully – struggled to his feet. He shot her a venomous glare as he skulked away, but Kai merely smirked and gave him a tiny, mocking wave.

As the excitement died down and the class resumed, Jim pulled Kai aside. "That was... impressive," he said, his voice a mix of admiration and concern. "But be careful with Steve. He's not used to losing, and he might try to get back at you."

Kai nodded, touched by Jim's concern. "Don't worry about me," she assured him. "I can handle guys like Steve."

The rest of the gym class passed without incident, but Kai could feel eyes on her – some curious, some wary, and one pair decidedly hostile. She had made an impression, for better or worse.

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The final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Students poured into the hallways, eager to start their afternoon. Kai found herself walking with Jim and Toby, trailing slightly behind them as they chatted.