You saw Lila being bullied by a group of girls and a couple of guys so you shout at them to stop. They run away at the sight of you. You try to open up but is then shut down by her Shut it! You think you're all heroic now that you saved my ass this time? Well sucks to be you, I'd rather get beaten up than to do you slave work. Now... leave me alone. She tries to walk away

I don't know who you are to make me freaking promises I'll return the favor... just leave me alone already! She crosses her arms, scowling

You're seriously not getting it... I don't want to talk! I have nothing to say to you or anyone else for that matter. Just leave me alone and find someone else to bother with your little problems. She glares at the seat, reluctant but not willing to sit down herself

Well fucking duh... I'm not some freaking prize that you just won. Fine! She finally sits down in the chair and crosses her arms defiantly But don't get any ideas, okay? I'm not going to tell you all my secrets or anything like that.

And as for venting... let's see... I was walking home from school and these bullies decided they wanted to pick on me again. So they started shoving me around and stealing my stuff. Luckily, one of them tripped over their own two feet and landed right in front of you. And here I am.

Is there anything else you'd like to know?

I've tried... really I have. But every time I try, they just get worse. And it never ends well for me. They're bigger than me and there's always more of them. It's not worth the hassle to keep fighting back.

Ha! Like they'd be scared of some tall, weirdo stranger. They've already made fun of me enough as it is. I don't need you to fight my battles for me... thanks anyway, I guess.

I'd love to, but where would I even find the time and money to get boxing lessons? And who says they'll ever be alone? They're always surrounded by their little goons... Plus, even if I did manage to take them down, it's not like anyone would step in to help me. The bullies would just find someone else to terrorize next. It's a never-ending cycle.

That... actually sounds like a pretty good plan. But what makes you think I'd trust some random stranger to teach me how to fight? And even if we manage to beat the leader, what about all the other ones? They're just as bad, if not worse. Plus, if someone found out that I was taking boxing lessons from a guy... well, let's just say they'd have even more ammunition to use against me.

But thank you for the offer... it's nice to know there are people who care enough to want to help.

That... might actually work. I mean, at least it'd be less likely to get me in trouble if it was just me against one person. And if someone did try to step in, well... they'll have to answer to you first, right? Plus, the leader of the group is a girl named Lola. She's not exactly known for her fighting skills, but she'd probably come up with something nasty to say about me either way. But if I won against her... maybe, just maybe, they'd leave me alone for once.

Well... alright then. I'll give it a shot. But don't expect me to thank you for this. I can take care of my own problems, even if it means getting hurt along the way. But if it gets any worse than it already has been, I might just have to accept your offer after all...

Hmm... that gives me plenty of time to practice on my own first. And what kind of equipment do you have in mind? I can't just show up at some random guy's house empty-handed, you know. But thanks for the offer, even if it is a little strange.

I snort at his comment, rolling my eyes. "Yeah, whatever you say. Just don't expect me to turn into some fighting machine overnight. It's gonna take a lot more than just one guy teaching me a few moves." With that said, I stand up and start walking away from the table. "I'll see you tonight... Mr....?" I pause, glancing back at him expectantly. "Just call me Jason," he replies with a shrug. "See you later, Lily."

With a deep breath, I pull myself together and make my way to Jason's house. He lives in one of the nicer neighborhoods, so I'm actually sort of nervous just walking up to his doorstep. What if he's not as nice as he seems? Or worse... what if he's lying about this whole thing being nothing more than training lessons? My heart races in my chest as I reach the door and knock. "It's Lily," I say once I hear movement inside. "We made plans for today..."

I hesitate for a moment before nodding slightly. "Yeah... I mean, I guess so. I'm not expecting it to be easy, but I'll try my best." My voice cracks a little at the end, but I push past the fear and nerves. Being brave isn't about never being scared; it's about facing your fears anyway.

I quickly fall into step beside him, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps as I struggle to keep up with his pace. "Oh... uh... Jason..." I huff, trying not to sound completely winded. "Shouldn't we start slow? I haven't run in a while..."

Thank you... I appreciate it. (I pant as we jog) This is going to be harder than I thought... but I'm trying. At least it's better than being cooped up inside all day, right?

Okay... I guess that sounds like a plan. One week isn't so bad, right? And it's not like anyone will see me here anyway. Jason is being a decent sort about this whole thing... even if he did seem a little surprised when I showed up at his house that first day.

A few more punches land on the bag before it's time to stop. My arms ache and my legs feel like lead, but I did manage to improve a little since last week. Jason has been giving me pointers throughout each session, correcting my form and showing me different techniques. He's not as intimidating as he first seemed; in fact, he's actually pretty funny sometimes. Well, maybe just a little sarcastic... but I guess that comes with the territory of being good at boxing.

With one more woozy stretch, I finally call it quits for the day and collapse onto the nearest couch. "Thanks again for teaching me all this, Jason," I manage to gasp out between breaths. "I never would've been able to do this on my own."

Jason grunts noncommittally as he begins cleaning up the training equipment. "Don't

I nod and stand back up, stretching my sore muscles once again before following him over to the other side of the room. Jason hands me a pair of boxing gloves, looking me in the eye with a fierce expression on his face. "Alright Lily," he says, voice low and serious. "It's time to see what you really made of."

My heart races at his words as I slip on the gloves, doing my best to match his confidence. It's one thing to watch boxing lessons and hit a punching bag... but doing it with another person is an entirely different game. But if I can survive this, maybe I really will be able to stand up for myself and finally end all the bullying for good.

Jason bends his knees slightly, moving into a ready stance as he gestures for me to do the same. "Ready?" he asks, his

Jason nods in approval as he watches me punch the pads, quickly correcting my form when I make a mistake. The soft thuds of our gloves hitting the equipment fill the room, and despite how tired I am, my adrenaline keeps pushing me forward. With each correction from Jason, I feel myself growing stronger, more confident in my abilities.

And then, without warning, he suddenly throws a punch at one of my pads. I jump back, startled, before quickly regaining my balance and managing to block his next blow with my gloves. A grin spreads across Jason's face as he steps forward, pressing me harder. "Nice job," he says through clenched teeth. "But don't get cocky now."

With that challenge, I dig deep and find a new reserve of strength within myself. We continue to spar for several more minutes,

I feel my breath coming in short, sharp gasps as Jason and I continue to circle one another on the floor. The adrenaline pumping through my veins is like a drug, making me feel invincible despite my exhaustion. He nods at me once before throwing another punch, harder this time, forcing me to quickly backpedal in order to avoid it.

Jason grins at my reaction, pushing even further with his next attack. Our gloves collide with a harsh thud that echoes through the room, and for a moment I'm sure that every muscle in my body is screaming in protest. But as he lunges at me again, faster this time, something snaps inside of me.

A rage unlike anything I've ever felt before overtakes me, replacing my exhaustion with an unyielding determination. Without thinking, I launch myself forward, my glo

I don't think... I can do it... not without you there to help me, I mean... Jason... You've done so much for me already... taught me how to defend myself, believed in me when no one else would... and now this? I couldn't possibly ask you to get involved any more than you already have.

My breath comes out in ragged gasps as we stand there, both of us panting from the exertion of our match. He smiles at me encouragingly, his expression softening ever so slightly. "It's okay," he says gently. "I want to see you succeed... and I know you can do it."

With renewed confidence, I nod slowly and square my shoulders, meeting Jason's gaze head-on. "Alright then," I say, determination ringing clear in my voice. "Let's go show them what we're