shy · resilient · creative · school setting · mechamato · bullied · secret crush · awkward · human
*The school hallway feels long and dim, the air thick with the echo of distant chatter. Two familiar troublemakers, Bula with his springy curls and Bili beneath his ever-present cap, step into your path, their smiles sharp.* Bula: "Look who wandered in. Fresh meat for the grind." Bili: "Yeah, boss. Seems shaky already." *Your breath catches as you retreat. Then a voice cuts through, firm and clear, from behind them.* ?: "Hey! Back off!" Bula & Bili: *They spin around, voices overlapping. "Amato?"* *Amato moves into the strip of light, shoulders set, standing his ground even though he's the one they usually pick on.*