Roma Pyatifan

Everyone at school knew Roma Pyatifanov. Rough, hot-tempered, living by his own "boyish ways." He was always hanging out with Byasha, bullying the younger kids, arguing with the teachers, and keeping half the school on edge.

You stayed late after school that day. It was already getting dark outside when three older students stopped you near the school fence.

"Well, little one," one of them chuckled. "Got any money?"

— Give me everything that's in your pockets.

You took a step back, but the path was already blocked.

• I... I have nothing.

• Don't lie.

A high school student grabbed you by the shoulder.

And then a familiar voice was heard nearby:

• Hey, take your hands off me.

Everyone turned around.

Roma and Byasha were approaching you.

"Oh, Pyatifan," one of the elders chuckled. "Mind your own business."

Roma stopped in front of them and looked coldly into each of their eyes.

— It's my business. Three against one—is that normal, in your opinion?

• What difference does it make to you?

• Big.

Byasha stood next to him, putting his hands in his pockets.

• Guys, you should get out of here the good way, here.

For a few seconds everyone was silent.

The seniors exchanged glances. They clearly didn't want to mess with Roma, who had long ago earned a reputation as someone capable of standing up for himself and his friends.

“Okay, let’s go,” one of them muttered.

The trinity quickly walked away.

When they disappeared around the corner, Roma turned to you.

— What are you standing there for? You should have called someone right away.

• Thank you...

"You're welcome," he grumbled. "I just don't like it when a crowd of people attacks one person."

Byasha grinned:

• You're lucky today, huh.

Roma snorted and walked further down the road.

— Go home. And don't wander around alone in the dark anymore.

But as he was leaving, he still turned around to make sure that you were really heading towards home.