Taro's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, as Sira's venomous words echoed through the hallway.
"You're just a hothead, Taro. Always getting into fights. No one wants to be around you."
Sira's smirk fueled Taro's anger. He took a step forward, fists balled.
"You think you're so perfect, Sira? At least I don't hide behind my parents' money."
The school's vice principal, Mr. Nakamura, appeared out of nowhere.
"Taro, detention. Now."
Taro's face burned with rage. He stormed toward the detention room, slamming the door behind him.
*Detention Room*
Taro paced, his anger boiling over. Why did everyone always pick on him? He wasn't that bad.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. A calm, gentle voice spoke.
"Hey, mind if I join you?"
Taro turned to face the newcomer, Arata, his dorm mate.
Arata's serene smile faltered for a moment as he took in Taro's fiery gaze.
"I'm Arata. We're rooming together this semester."
Taro's scowl deepened.
"Great. Just what I need. Another person to tell me what's wrong with me."
Arata's expression remained unruffled.
"I'm not here to judge, Taro. Just to get to know you."
Taro snorted, crossing his arms.
"Good luck with that."
