C.W. Discrimination  

In the days that followed, Sergio began participating more actively in Lucas’s classes. He genuinely wanted to learn, but one incident cast a shadow over his progress.  

While cleaning the hallways, he overheard a group of students, including the one who had previously thrown the chip wrapper and received a poor grade from Lucas. Their voices were loud, their laughter sharp as they mocked Professor Amery.  

“I can't stand him! He’s so arrogant… Just a bitter man who thinks he can humiliate us,” one of them said, laughing. The others quickly joined in.  

“He is a… ugh! His classes are boring and pointless. We should complain to the dean; maybe they’ll replace him. I can’t afford to fail his class again.”  

As Sergio listened, memories of the bullying that both he and Lucas had experienced in the past came back to him. This was something he couldn’t tolerate. Feeling his anger rise, he approached the students and, with a firm voice —something he didn’t know he possessed— said:  

“You should show more respect for the professor!”  

The students turned to him, startled and confused, before breaking into laughter. The custodian was scolding them. Some of them were barely 18, while others were much older.  

“And who are you to tell us that? The janitor?” sneered the student who had thrown the wrapper. “The one who mops the floors? You think you're smarter than us, don’t you?”  

Before Sergio could respond, Lucas appeared at the end of the hallway. His expression was serious as he approached, placing a hand on Sergio’s shoulder.  

“Don’t waste your energy on them, Sergio,” he expressed, then, turning to the group. “Hey, what’s this? Playground politics? You’re all adults; start acting like it. Maybe spend less time complaining and more time studying. In the end, you’re just scared of failing, aren’t you? If you can’t handle my class, perhaps you should consider a different program.”  

The student leading the insults scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. “And you’re so chummy with the janitor. Do you have something going on with him, professor? I don’t think he’s on your 'level'.”  

Before Lucas could respond, Sergio stepped forward, his voice firm. “Don’t you dare disrespect Mr. Amery like that!”  

But Lucas, keeping his authoritative demeanor, addressed not just the group but the gathering onlookers as well. “And what if it were true?” he said evenly. “My relationship with Mr. Edevane has no bearing on my work as a professor. I won’t tolerate disrespect —toward him or me. Now, should I call your parents, or will the 30-year-old child start behaving?”  

The group fell silent, embarrassment spreading across their faces, and they quickly dispersed.  

As the crowd thinned, Lucas turned back to Sergio, whose tense expression hadn’t eased. With a subtle wink, Lucas led him to a quiet corner.  

“You don’t have to defend me,” he affirmed softly. “But… thank you.”  

Sergio nodded, his eyes lowered. After a brief silence, he took Lucas’s hand with determination and whispered. 

“Sigh… I just… I can’t stand the thought of anyone disrespecting you. You’re an upright professor, one of the best in the faculty. Your students have learned so much from you, and so have I. Lucas… I won’t let anyone mistreat you.”  

Lucas looked at him, deeply moved. Squeezing Sergio’s hand, he felt their bond grow even stronger. “Thank you, Sergio.”  

The custodian didn’t reply, but his smile was enough.