Silent Rage, Unspoken Bonds

Chapter 1: The Outburst That Changed Everything

Chapter 1: The Outburst That Changed Everything

"Marin Dupain-Cheng! Get back here before I call the principal!" Mrs. Bustier’s voice echoed through the classroom, cutting through the final moments of the school day.

Marin, his patience wearing thin, considered his options. He could either deal with the principal’s threat, which would likely lead to suspension and a permanent mark on his record, or he could return calmly, decline any further commands, and make a statement. Opting for the latter, he turned and walked slowly toward his teacher. His tall frame cast a shadow over her as he stood before her, his voice low and deep, enough to make anyone's heart race. "Yes?"

Despite his reputation in class, Marin's voice still had an effect on the girls, though none dared speak their thoughts, especially with the looming presence of Lila, who never missed a chance to make his life difficult.

Mrs. Bustier looked up at him, her expression tense. She had known him for years, but it was Lila’s accusations that had strained their relationship. She had claimed that Marin was always around, lurking and causing trouble, especially when no one else was around. But Marin knew better than to trust Lila’s word. He would never do what she accused him of.

"Why are you sexually harassing Lila?" Mrs. Bustier's voice held an edge of disappointment.

Marin fought the urge to roll his eyes. He had heard the rumors before, but they didn’t bother him. "I’m never alone with her. Lila always has her 'friends' around her, and I’ve never so much as breathed in her direction without them glaring at me," he answered, keeping his voice steady. "How could I even approach her when I’m constantly watched?"

"I asked you why, not for excuses," Mrs. Bustier snapped.

Marin took a deep breath, his frustration mounting. "Why would I harass her? I already have someone in my life who gets more attention than anyone would know what to do with. She’s been catcalled on the street, and I’ve seen the kind of people who want to take advantage of her. She’s strong enough to handle it, but I still worry every day that someone will go too far, that it’ll be the last time I see her happy."

Tears welled in Marin’s eyes, but he blinked them away quickly, trying not to show any weakness. His classmates, silent and observant, couldn’t help but believe him. The raw emotion in his voice made it clear he wasn’t lying.

Marin glanced at Lila, whose smirk had faltered, and then turned away. "I don’t know why she’d say such vile things about me, but why would I do something like that? I can’t even get within ten feet of her without someone assuming the worst."

With that, Marin walked out of the classroom, leaving behind a class full of stunned silence.

Outside, he wiped away the last of his tears as he walked toward his family’s bakery. He didn’t notice the footsteps behind him or the person waiting by the gates. But as soon as a familiar voice called out to him, his heart lifted.

"Habibi?"

Marin looked up and smiled as he saw Damiyah, his girlfriend, waiting for him. She was tall, with emerald eyes that always seemed to understand him without saying a word. He walked over to her, pulled her into a tight hug, and buried his face in her shoulder. She responded by wrapping her arms around him, sensing that he needed comfort.

"Hi, Sadiqa," Marin whispered into her neck.

Damiyah’s lips curled into a small, comforting smile. She held him a little tighter, knowing he needed her strength in that moment. "Hello, Malak."

The two of them stood there, lost in the moment, but it didn’t take long for Marin to look up at her with a soft smile. "Are you feeling better?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Marin nodded, but the moment was broken when she kissed him, soft at first, then with growing passion. When they pulled away, their foreheads touched, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to disappear. Damiyah smiled, her eyes filled with warmth, only for her to pull away with a playful kiss on his nose. Marin blushed, his face turning red, and she giggled, a sound only he was allowed to hear.

"What are you doing here?" Marin asked, still a little flustered.

"Gotham Academy closed for a month due to a rogue attack. Father allowed me to visit as long as I continue my studies online," Damiyah explained.

Marin smiled, happy to see her. "I’m glad you’re here."

"Why don’t you head to the bakery, and I’ll catch up to you?" Damiyah suggested with a glint in her eyes.

Marin raised an eyebrow, sensing mischief, but he sighed inwardly. "Alright, just don’t hurt anyone too bad."

As he made his way to the bakery, Damiyah watched his classmates staring after them, particularly the girls, who seemed fuming at the sight of her closeness to Marin.

With an icy glare, Damiyah turned toward the school building. As she climbed the stairs to his class, she could feel the stares. The girls were glaring at her, jealousy burning in their eyes, while the guys looked at her like she was something to claim.

"Why are you staring at what’s mine?" she asked coldly, her voice sharp and commanding.

Lila was the first to speak up. "Marin doesn’t belong to you."

Damiyah fixed her emerald eyes on Lila, her gaze so intense that the girl flinched. "He is mine," she growled, the coldness in her voice sending a shiver down Lila’s spine.

Lila assessed the girl—her dark hair, expensive clothing, and polished aura—and realized she was no ordinary person. But Damiyah was unfazed. She looked at the entire class, including Mrs. Bustier, and spoke with a chilling finality, "If I sense the smallest bit of negative emotion directed toward him, you won’t have to worry about an akuma. But you will regret it."

With that, Damiyah turned and walked away, her steps confident and deliberate. Her focus was entirely on Marin, and anyone who dared hurt him would face the consequences.

As she disappeared down the stairs, her classmates were left in stunned silence, each wondering just who this girl was—and what lengths she would go to in order to protect what was hers.