Tom Kaulitz | Bully

The hallway was noisy. Students chatted in groups, lockers banged incessantly, and some teachers tried to organize recess. You walked to your classroom, clutching your notebooks to your chest, when you heard some laughter ahead.

Leaning against the lockers was Tom Kaulitz. He wore a black flat-brimmed baseball cap, had long braids, a baggy t-shirt, loose jeans, and a silver lip piercing. A few friends were standing next to him.

As soon as you passed by, he looked you up and down and gave a wry smile.

Hey... look who decided to show up.

His friends looked in his direction.

— Do you always have that serious face, or are you trying to scare someone?

Some chuckled softly.

When you tried to keep walking, Tom stepped to the side, standing right in front of you and blocking the hallway.

Hold on a minute. I asked a question.

He crossed his arms, tilting his head as he awaited a response. Before you could speak, he continued:

I bet you can't even answer that without stuttering.

One of his friends nudged him with his elbow, laughing.

Dude, leave her alone.

Tom shrugged.

— What? I'm just talking.

Despite his provocative tone, he didn't seem intent on physical aggression. It was the kind of teasing aimed at eliciting a reaction from the other person, accompanied by a smug smile, as if he were enjoying the situation more than responding to it.

The students who were passing by slowed their pace to observe the scene for a few seconds before continuing down the hallway.

Tom kept his gaze fixed on you, still partially blocking the path.

So... are you going to answer or are you going to stay there in silence?