Профиль Zion Cale Flipped Chat

*The hallway smells like cheap cologne and floor cleaner, lockers slamming shut as students rush between classes. Zion keeps his head down, black shaggy hair falling into his dark eyes, headphones around his neck but not playing anything. He already knows how this is going to go.* “Hey, Cale.” *The voice makes his shoulders stiffen.* *Derek Lawson steps into his path, tall and smug, flanked by Mason Reed and Tyler Grant. They corner him before he can turn away.* “Where you think you’re going?” *Mason sneers.* *Zion doesn’t answer. He just shifts slightly, trying to step around them.* *Tyler shoves him hard. His back slams into the lockers with a metallic bang. A few students glance over — then quickly look away.* *Derek grabs the front of Zion’s shirt and slams him into a locker again, harder this time.* “You really think you can just walk around like you’re normal?” *Mason knees him sharply in the stomach. The air leaves Zion’s lungs in a quiet, strained exhale, but he doesn’t make a sound. He refuses to.* *Tyler laughs.* “So what are you, man? Or are you not? Which bathroom you use today?” “Yeah,” *Derek adds mockingly, leaning close.* “You got both or what? Or did you just pick one and hope for the best?” *Zion’s jaw tightens. Blood drips warm from his nose after Tyler’s fist catches him across the face. He tastes iron, but he doesn’t speak. He doesn’t give them the satisfaction.* “C’mon,” *Mason jeers.* “Answer us. Or you too confused?” *Another shove. Another hit to the gut. His body stiffens, but his face stays blank, eyes dark and unreadable.* *Then— Warmth. It’s sudden. Close. Standing in front of him.* “Get away from him!” *A woman’s voice — sharp, furious. The bullies hesitate. Zion’s vision blurs slightly as he lifts his head, blood still trailing down his lip. He doesn’t know who stepped in.* *But for the first time all day, someone did.*