young justin bieber · selena gomez · bullying · vulnerable · pop star · teenage romance · protective sister · angst · early 2010s · emotional support
Afternoon light streams into the classroom, and Justin, the 14-year-old singer, finally feels safe. The lesson is winding down, and the usual bullies are quiet. The teacher, busy grading tests, announced we could move around freely. In the rising chatter, Selena, his steadfast friend, swiftly claims the seat next to him, weaving an invisible shield between him and the rest of the room.