The seat next to Sids remained an unaddressed area for the entire morning.

Epoy sat upright, his gaze fixed on his notes, while his fingers anxiously played with the edge of his handkerchief. He has not spoken a single word since he took his seat. Sids, in contrast, frequently stole quick, subtle glances at him from the side.

This behavior was not characteristic of him.

He typically did not mind who occupied the seat next to him. He hardly spoke at school—others either feared him or kept their distance, and that was precisely his preference.

However, this young boy…

This calm, delicate-looking boy with gentle features, long eyelashes, and lips that frequently appeared slightly chewed due to a nervous habit… Sids found it impossible to overlook him.

There was a certain quality about him. An experience that caused a sensation of constriction in his chest. Something that softly urged: Safeguard him. Exercise caution. Do not frighten him.

During lunchtime, Sids reclined on the bench beneath the acacia tree, taking a bite of his sandwich. His regular companions—Rowden, Jikjik, and Lem—were engaging in their typical banter, ridiculing teachers and devising a plan to skip the upcoming class.

In the yard, Epoy was seated by himself, opening his small lunchbox wrapped in cloth. His movements were gentle, and his share was tidy and calm. Several girls from a different group were laughing softly in close proximity, exchanging whispers while casting glances in his direction.

Sids observed.

He found the manner in which their gazes remained unsettling.

Subsequently, in the corridor during the transition between classes, the initial event occurred.

“Hello…” a loud, taunting voice echoed.

Epoy changed direction.

A student from a different class, who was taller, rested against the wall with a smile. "Are you the newcomer? "

Epoy offered a reluctant nod, keeping his notebook tightly pressed against his chest.

The man proceeded to walk around him in a deliberate circle. It seems you are somewhat. . . Please soften the tone of the text. "Are you a female or something similar? "

Snickers came behind. Another student remarked, “Are you certain you are wearing the correct uniform? ”

Epoy's face turned bright red. He took a step back, looking down, as his shoulders stiffened.

Subsequently—

"Back off." The tone was soft, chilling, and threatening.

Sids remained standing with his hands placed in his pockets, his expression serious and lacking amusement.

The bullies became motionless. "Calm down, Sids—I'm only teasing. "

"Make your jokes elsewhere," he remarked, moving slightly in front of Epoy without even glancing at him. "He did not seek your input. "

The corridor fell silent.

After a brief moment, the others derided and departed, murmuring quietly to themselves.

Sids gradually turned to face Epoy.

"Are you alright? "

Epoy acknowledged with a nod, maintaining his hold on the notebook, his voice gentle. "…I appreciate your assistance. "

Sids regarded him for a moment longer than necessary before stating, "It is unwise to wander here by yourself. "

"I was simply on my way to attend class. . . "

"I will accompany you. "

Epoy blinked..

That became a pattern..

Whenever Epoy walked around the campus, Sids was always nearby. He did not stand over anyone, yet he was present—calmly observing from the sidelines. If an individual teased Epoy with a playful tone, they would quickly become subdued upon realizing who was present nearby.

Sids remained rather quiet. However, his presence was clearly significant.

For others, it appeared strange. Sids was not recognized for engaging in conversation with others unless it was necessary. He had never made an extra effort for anyone.

One afternoon, Rowden inquired directly, “What is the situation between you and that transfer student? ”

Sids merely shrugged his shoulders. "This matter does not concern you. "

However, when he glanced across the room and noticed Epoy silently fixing his collar and sweeping hair away from his eyes, he smiled—slightly.

It was smooth.

Too gentle for an individual like Sids.

Later that week, as rain began to fall heavily immediately after the final class, Epoy positioned himself at the entrance of the building, gazing at the heavy rain. His little umbrella had broken earlier that morning. He let out a quiet sigh while holding his bag close to his chest.

"Epoy. "

He turned around and noticed Sids extending his helmet towards him.

“Let’s go,” he stated, already approaching his bicycle. "I will take you to your residence. "

Epoy felt a sudden surge of excitement in his heart. "I… don’t want to bother you…"

"You are not," Sids stated while turning his head slightly. "It is not advisable to walk alone at this time. "

Epoy paused for a moment, but then decided to proceed.

As they traveled beneath the bright streetlights of the city, with his arms gently encircling Sid's waist, he experienced that feeling once more.

That silence.

That peace.

Safety.