Work Text:
I watch as they corner my best friend next to the music room, his shoulders tense as the insults fly.
“Fag.”
“Gay.”
“Disgusting.”
I stand frozen, both anger and fear twisting in my tummy.
Charlie just stares at the floor, like he’s heard it all before.
Which he has.
I want to scream, to shove them all away, but my feet feel like lead.
They laugh, heading off down the corridor.
So I walk over, silent, and stand beside him.
I should’ve done more. I should have spoken up for my friend.
Next time, I will.
I won’t freeze again.