The hallway buzzed with chatter as students shuffled between classes. Ryan and Ben walked side by side, still carrying traces of their lunchtime conversation.
"I'm just saying," Ben said, "Batman could totally take Iron Man."
Ryan raised an eyebrow. "You're seriously comparing a billionaire ninja detective to a billionaire tech genius?"
"Exactly."
They were almost at the classroom when someone brushed roughly into Ben's shoulder.
"Watch it," the guy snapped, glaring.
Ben instinctively took a step back. "Sorry, man. Wasn't looking."
The guy, tall, broad-shouldered, clearly someone who enjoyed the attention of being feared, didn't let it go. "What, you too scared to stand your ground?"
Ryan narrowed his eyes.
"Just drop it," Ben said quickly, his tone quiet but firm.
But the guy smirked and gave Ben a shove. Before Ben could say anything else, Ryan stepped forward and pushed him back.
"Touch him again," Ryan said, his voice low, steady, and colder than the hallway's air conditioning, "and I'll break your nose."
Everything went still. A few students turned to watch. The tension crackled in the air.
The guy looked at Ryan, sizing him up. "You've got a big mouth for the new kid."
"And you've got a small brain for someone trying to start something."
Ben grabbed Ryan's arm. "Ryan. It's not worth it. Let's go."
Ryan didn't move at first. His jaw was tight, his eyes locked on the guy's. But then he took a step back.
The guy scoffed. "Figures."
Ryan didn't respond. He just turned with Ben and kept walking.
When they were out of earshot, Ben exhaled. "Dude. That was… intense."
"He started it."
"I know. And I appreciate it. But getting into a fight on your first day? Not the best idea."
Ryan looked ahead, his voice quieter now. "I don't let people mess with my friends."
Ben smiled. "Well, that settles it. We're officially friends."
Ryan didn't say anything, but the corner of his mouth twitched—almost a smile.
Almost.