Everfall High wasn't exactly a peaceful place, especially not in Room 7B, where the four kids from the adoption center sat side by side — Jake, Mike, Ann, and Mia. They weren't just classmates. They were a team. And trouble seemed to follow them like a shadow.
Jake sat at the back of the classroom, black hair falling over his eyes, arms crossed tightly. He was quiet, but when he spoke, people listened. Mike was the opposite — brown-haired and athletic, always leaning back in his chair with a grin. Ann, blonde with long hair and sharp eyes, was busy scribbling math problems in her notebook, her smartest friend without a doubt. Mia, the youngest, with short curly black hair and a playful smile, doodled little frogs in the margins.
The math teacher was going over problems when suddenly, a rough voice cut through the room.
"Hey, blondie," Troy sneered, swaggering over to Ann's desk. "What's the matter? Lost in your little numbers again?"
Ann kept her eyes on her notebook. "Leave me alone, Troy."
Troy leaned in close, smirking. "C'mon, I bet you're so good at math, you can't even spell 'fun.'"
Some kids snickered. Ann's cheeks flushed, but she didn't respond.
"Bet you got no friends 'cause you're too busy being a bookworm," Troy taunted louder. "Hey, everyone! Look! It's Ann the brainiac, too busy for real life!"
Jake's jaw clenched. Mike sat up straighter, ready to jump in.
Ann finally looked up, eyes sharp. "Better a brainiac than a bully with no clue."
Troy laughed. "Ooh, a comeback! Too bad you're still handing me your homework." He snatched her notebook.
"Give it back!" Ann snapped, reaching for it.
Jake stood up quietly but firmly. "Back off, Troy."
Troy turned, amused. "Or what, tough guy?"
Jake's voice was steady. "Or you'll regret it."
Before things could escalate, the math teacher slammed her hand on the desk. "Enough! Troy, detention after school."
Troy spat on the floor and stalked off, but not before sneering, "This isn't over."
After school, as the four friends stepped outside, a loud rumble of tires grew louder.
Troy's gang rolled up — not on foot, but on a dozen noisy bicycles, surrounding them like a pack.
"Well, well, the trouble bunch," Troy grinned, hopping off his bike. "Ready for round two?"
Mike stepped forward, fists clenched. "We don't want to fight."
Troy cracked his knuckles. "Too bad. 'Cause you started it."
Jake pushed Mike back. "I'll handle this."
The first two bullies lunged at Jake. He dodged and punched back, landing a solid hit on one.
But more gang members circled, blocking exits.
"Guys, we're outnumbered!" Mike shouted.
Ann grabbed Mia's hand. "Run!"
They sprinted, but the bikes chased fast.
Jake fought off two more, gritting his teeth, "Go! Get to the forest!"
They dashed down a narrow dirt path, heart pounding.
Mia gasped, "Where are we?"
Ann looked around — thick trees and twisting vines everywhere. "I don't know…"
Suddenly, Troy and two others appeared, blocking the way.
"No way out!" Troy growled.
"Run!" Jake shouted.
They scrambled through bushes and stumbled over roots, finally spotting an old, dusty antique shop between the trees.
"Inside!" Mike yelled, pushing the creaky door open.
They all rushed in. Mike locked the door behind them, panting.
Inside, the air was thick with dust and secrets.
Troy's voice echoed outside. "You can't hide forever."
Jake looked at his friends. "We'll find a way. Together."
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