The school gym was mostly empty after classes, the scent of sweat and cleaning supplies lingering in the air. The rhythmic echo of a basketball bouncing somewhere in the background filled the silence between their quiet conversation.
Near the bleachers, Ningning stood with arms crossed, foot tapping impatiently against the polished floor. The Dreamies were gathered around, their usual playful energy subdued, waiting.
Then the doors creaked open.
Chenle walked in first, followed closely by Ara, who hesitated at the threshold, fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. Her stomach twisted at the thought of facing them all at once.
Chenle, sensing her unease, nudged her gently. "Come on. They're our friends. You don't have to do this alone."
Ara inhaled deeply, gathering courage, and stepped inside.
The moment Ningning spotted her, her expression softened. "Ara! You're here."
In a few quick strides, she closed the distance, placing a reassuring hand on Ara's shoulder.
"It's okay. We've got you."
Ara managed a small, nervous smile but said nothing.
Chenle gestured for her to sit on the bleachers while he stepped forward, joining Ningning at the center of the group.
Ningning exhaled, then turned to face the others, arms still crossed. "Guys, we have a problem. Karina and Winter have been bullying Ara."
The air in the gym shifted. Expressions hardened, postures straightened.
Chenle leaned casually against the bleachers, but his tone held an edge. "I told her we're not letting this slide."
Jaemin frowned. "Bullying? What are they doing?"
Ningning's jaw tightened. "It's not obvious... no yelling, no shoving. But it's constant. Glares, whispers, laughter just loud enough to make her doubt herself. Subtle, but worse that way. Harder to call out."
Mark, who had been quiet until now, sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I've noticed she's been quieter lately... I should've said something sooner." His voice carried guilt.
Jisung glanced at Ara, concern evident. "Are you okay?"
Ara hesitated, wanting to downplay it. But before she could speak, Ningning cut in.
"You're not bothering us, Ara. This is what friends are for." Her voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt.
Jeno leaned forward, eyes sharp. "So, what's the plan? We can't just let this slide."
Ningning's gaze swept over the group. "I'm not saying we go all out and cause drama. But we need to send a message. If Karina and Winter see Ara isn't alone, they'll think twice before trying anything again."
Chenle smirked. "Operation strength-in-numbers? I like it."
Ningning nodded. "Exactly. We stick by Ara between classes, during lunch... whenever she needs us. They see she has people backing her up, they'll stop."
Renjun, ever the strategist, nodded thoughtfully. "And if they don't, we take it up with the school counselor or Mr. Lee. This doesn't have to stay a secret."
Haechan dramatically placed a hand over his heart. "Ah, Renjun, always the voice of reason."
Renjun rolled his eyes. "And you're always the voice of chaos."
The group chuckled softly, tension easing for a moment.
Ara, quietly watching, let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. As her gaze flickered from face to face, warmth settled in her chest.
They were here. For her. And they weren't going anywhere.
A small, genuine smile appeared on her lips. "Thank you, guys. Really."
Jaemin grinned. "You don't have to thank us. We're your friends."
Jisung, usually the quietest, nodded firmly. "We've got your back."
As if sealing their unspoken pact, the group instinctively huddled closer, their collective determination palpable.
Whatever happened next, Ara wouldn't have to face it alone.
