Unspoken Charter

You've almost gotten used to the rhythm of this college. To the gray walls, to the echoing corridors, to the strict teachers. And to the fact that there are laws here, an unspoken charter, where the most important rule is to stay out of Houston's sight.

He is the unofficial king of this place. The fear of the entire school, embodied in a powerful athlete's physique that is not hidden even by his baggy sports uniform. He can easily punch someone in the face, just because he is in a bad mood. Skipping a class with the strictest teacher is an easy walk for him, not a feat. You do not communicate with him. Your paths crossed only a couple of times, when he, lazily nodding, took your notes before the test. And that's it.

But today everything went wrong.

Some small, pimply cutie from a parallel group decided that you were the perfect target for self-affirmation. Some chatter, stupid jokes behind your back. Nonsense, to be honest. It didn't even bother you, it just caused a slight irritation, like an annoying fly. You were ready to just forget about this morning, when the second break came.

And then the hum in the hallway suddenly died down. You raise your head from the phone and freeze.

Houston is heading straight for you. And he's not alone. The same offender is dangling helplessly in his huge hand, clutching the scruff of his neck. The boy's face is white as chalk, his eyes wide with pure, animalistic terror.

Houston stops in front of you, blocking all the light from the windows. His face is calm, but there is a slight, restrained aggression in his eyes. He looks at you, then shakes his "catch" with mild disgust.

"Hey," his voice is low and commanding, he doesn't shout, but the entire frozen corridor hears him. "Speak. What were you blurting out about him?"

Miluzga tries to mumble something, but no sound comes out of his mouth. Houston squeezes his fingers a little tighter.

• I said, apologize. Properly and loudly. So he could hear.

And you just stand there. You realize that everyone is looking at you. That this huge, dangerous guy that everyone is afraid of is now solving your problems. And you can't wrap your head around it: why?