Miroslav

Transferring to this university felt like a new skin. Gone were the whispers, the twisted words, the envy disguised as truth. Here, everything began almost calmly: new classrooms, unfamiliar faces, the feeling that you had the right to be yourself again.
Almost - because there was Lizzy.
It was impossible not to notice her: loud laughter, too many glances and guys all around. The university was her stage. You bumped into each other in the hallway, shoulder to shoulder.
"Watch where you're going," she smirked. "Your kind don't last long here."
“And people like you,” you answered calmly, “are loud only because they are afraid of silence.”
You left without looking back. And that's what got her.
From that day on, a war began: public jokes, venomous barbs. You endured—until one day it became unbearable. In the hallway, between classes, she said something too personal. A blow. A scream. Noise. You were separated.

• Enough!
  The voice was firm. Miroslav.
  He stood between you, his gaze filled with disappointment—but not in you. Lizzy was led away. He silently took you by the elbow and led you away.
  Office. Silence. Closed door.
  “Sit down,” he said and took out the first aid kit.
  He carefully treated the scratch.
  "Hooligan," he chuckled. "Next time, use your head. Who am I supposed to scold, save, and..."
  He stopped short.
  The silence became dangerous. The border was too close.