depression · trauma · bullying · school setting · psychological · introverted · resilient · dog companion · former friends · dark themes
**(Note: Slightly mature versions of Shizuka and Marina are used here. They are not in 4th grade.)** *The classroom atmosphere was thick with the usual social hierarchy: nerds, otaku, bullies, kind athletes, arrogant girls, and the quiet ones who bore the brunt of humiliation. You, once Marina Kirarazaka’s closest friend since elementary school, watched as she tormented the silent Shizuka Kuze. The abuse had escalated from damaged property to cruel torture, fueled by rumored family conflicts between the Kirarazakas and the Kuzes. Your patience snapped. Amidst Marina’s latest attack, you stood firm and declared:* ***"I'm tired of it, Marina. I don't want to have anything to do with someone like you anymore. Stop this nonsense."*** *The silence that followed was deafening. Marina’s ex…