A rather awkward silence settled between them. Ara shifted in her seat, staring down at her lap. The words she had just spoken hung in the air, fragile and uncertain.
Then, she broke the silence.
"It's not a big deal," she mumbled. "I just... don't want to make it worse by saying anything."
Mr. Lee leaned forward slightly, his voice steady and reassuring. "I get that. Speaking up can be scary, especially when it feels like it might make things worse. But you don't have to go through this alone. There are people who care about you... your friends, your family." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "And me."
Ara's grip on her bag tightened. Her lip quivered as she looked down, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What if... they don't stop?"
Mr. Lee took a slow, measured breath, choosing his words with care. "If they don't stop, then we'll figure it out together," he said gently. "You have a right to feel safe and respected here, Ara. And no matter what happens, I'll be here to support you."
A shaky breath escaped her lips. She wiped at her eyes and nodded slightly. For the first time in what felt like forever, a sliver of hope took root... fragile, but real. She had Belle, Chenle, Julie, and the others. And now, she had Mr. Lee too.
"Take it one step at a time," Mr. Lee continued, his tone calm but firm. "You don't have to decide anything right now. But if you ever want to talk more... or need help... I'm here."
Ara stood slowly, adjusting the strap of her bag. She looked at him, her voice still quiet but steadier than before.
"Thank you... for listening."
"Anytime, Ara."
A faint but genuine smile tugged at her lips as she turned to leave the room. Her footsteps were tentative, but each one carried a little more confidence than the last.
Mr. Lee watched her go, his expression thoughtful and determined. As the door clicked shut behind her, he reached for his pen... but his mind lingered on their conversation.
There was a pattern here, a quiet suffering that couldn't be ignored. He knew he couldn't let it continue, not when he had the chance to make a difference.
Something needed to be done.
And he was going to make sure of it.
A.N:-
This is gonna be long book since I have too many ideas stuck in my mind...<3
