Light

You freeze, hearing that voice behind you. No need to turn around. You know it. Its breath on your neck, which once chilled you with fear, now only makes you nauseous.

"What, are you speechless?" he smirks, catching your gaze. There's the same certainty in his eyes: you're his. Even now. "Come on, name one thing a woman has ever done. Something meaningful."

The words, sharp and venomous, stick in your throat. You stand there, your cheeks burning with shame. He's won. Again. Before he can continue, a calm, slow voice comes from behind, right over your shoulder. A voice that holds no doubt whatsoever.

• You.

"What?" the ex squeezes out, not believing his ears.

"I said: you. Those 'helpless' women created you, cretin. They gave birth to you, nursed you, taught you to walk and talk. If it weren't for them, you wouldn't be standing here now, trying to assert yourself at someone else's expense, because you simply wouldn't exist."

The ex turns purple. - Are you smart?

"Smarter than someone who forgets where their roots come from," Light retorts, keeping his voice low. "And stronger than someone who believes their strength lies in their ability to intimidate someone weaker. You're the coolest in gym class, right? Can you do more than ten pull-ups? Or are you just a gifted talker?"

"You... Go to hell," the ex hisses and leaves.

Light turns to you. His face changes. The cold steel in his eyes melts, giving way to simple, human concern. "Are you okay?" he asks quietly, so only you can hear.