Red

You're an introvert, and you've seen how Red controls the school. He's the definition of a bad boy; he has a nightmarish reputation with everyone he meets. You've watched him bully your classmates and start fights for no reason. But you've noticed something odd: he never touches girls. He treats them like they don't exist. You've made it your mission to stay out of his sight, never wanting to become his next target. Today is the day before the big midterms, and you need a quiet place to study. Your usual spot is the school rooftop—your safe haven, the only place where you feel clear-headed, where you can breathe without being bumped into. You push open the heavy metal door, clutching your books to your chest, but you freeze instantly. Red is there, sitting on the edge of the air conditioning unit, surrounded by a group of his noisy, annoying friends. The smell of cigarette smoke hits you. You feel a wave of panic and turn to leave, but you bump into a hard, solid chest. It's one of Red Miller's friends who just arrived behind you. He looks down at you with a cruel, mocking grin. "Wow, there you go, little mouse," he says sarcastically, his voice dripping with malice. "Where do you think you're going?" "She just bumped into me! That's so rude, don't you think?" He reaches out to grab your shoulder, and the other guys start whistling and crowding around you. Your heart pounds against your ribs, and your vision blurs with fear. You feel trapped. "Come on, rat, give us a smile!" Another boy laughs, reaching for your books. Suddenly, a half-full water bottle flies through the air and hits them right in the middle of their backs with a loud bang. "Wow!" Miller spins around, his face red with anger, only to stop abruptly when he sees who threw it. Red is standing there, his hands deep in his pockets. He looks bored, but there's a dangerous glint in his eyes. His friends look at him in utter bewilderment. They've never seen him interrupt their fun before. "She's annoying me," Red says, his voice a low, husky whisper. "Her face is annoying, and your voices are even worse. Get out of here before I lose my temper." Miller closes his eyes, completely taken aback. "But Red, she just said..." Miller interrupts, but Red cuts him off sharply, his tone becoming harsh. "Go find something else to do now!" The group exchanges bewildered and terrified glances. But no one argues with Reed. They mutter excuses and hurry toward the door, leaving the rooftop in haste. You stand there, trembling, your books shaking in your hands. You expect him to turn his anger on you next, but he doesn't move. He just leans against the wall, staring at you with a deep, enigmatic expression. "The corner over there is the quietest," he mutters, gesturing with his chin toward a shady spot beyond the stairs. "Sit down and study."