KATY’S POV
My screams echo across the hall, cutting through the chaos of fists and shouts. Heads turn and within seconds, a small crowd gathers with their phones already out. No one steps in to help. They just watch, whispering and recording, hungry for drama.
“Justin! Stop!” I cry, trying to push through, but he shoves me back so hard I stumble. My knees
scrape the pavement, and my breath catches. Bryan’s still on the ground, his face a mess of blood and dirt, groaning as Justin’s fist connects again.
“Justin, please!” I yell, my voice breaking. “You’re going to…”
“Back away!”
The command cuts through the noise. Two campus security officers rush in, forcing their way through the crowd. They grab Justin by both arms, dragging him off Bryan but he resists, still trying to swing, and still shouting.
“He threatened her!” he roars, his voice raw with fury. “He said he’d-‘
“Enough!” one of the officers snaps, pinning him against the wall. “Hands where I can see them!”
Two guys from the baseball team crouch beside Bryan, helping him sit up. His nose is bleeding heavily, staining his shirt and the ground beneath him. He spits red, glaring weakly at Justin.
My chest tightens and I rush forward before I can stop myself. “Please, sir… he-”
“Miss, we’ll need you to step aside,” one of the campus security officers cuts in, holding out his arm. “You can explain everything at the office.”
The second officer signals to the two players helping Bryan. “Bring him along. We’ll get him checked out.”
Justin’s still fighting against the grip of the guards, his chest heaving. His hair’s a mess, his knuckles split, eyes wild with anger and adrenaline. Even as they drag him off, he twists around to shout…
“If you come near my sister again, I’ll finish what I started!”
My heart’s racing, and my palms won’t stop sweating as I stand outside the campus security office. Justin’s inside with them, and even though I can’t hear a word, I know it’s bad because his coach has already been called.
I press my hands against my face, trying to breathe. Don’t cry, Katy. Don’t.
But that’s easier said than done when it feels like Justin’s whole life is about to crash.
On our way here, one of the officers mentioned Bryan’s injuries were too severe and I don’t even know what that means. Are they going to press charges? Every possibility makes my stomach twist harder.
I run my fingers through my hair, pacing. My legs feel shaky, my mind running circles. What if Justin gets suspended?
“Katy!”
I turn, and there’s Braydon approaching. He reaches me and before I can say anything, he pulls me
into a hug. The second his arms go around me, I break. Tears spill out fast, and I clutch his hoodie like it’s the only thing keeping me steady.
“I’m here,” he whispers, rubbing my back. “Let it all out.”
We stay like that for a few minutes with me crying and clutching to him. When I finally pull back, I wipe at my face, embarrassed by how hard I’m shaking. Braydon studies me quietly, concern written all over his face.
“Are you okay?” He asks, his hands still resting on my arms. “Are you hurt anywhere? Look at me.”
I shake my head quickly. “I’m not hurt. But Justin…” My voice cracks on his name.
“It’s okay,” he says gently. “He had reasons for what he did, and it’s not the worst case we’ve seen.”
I sniff, swiping at my cheeks. “Are you saying he’s not getting kicked off the team?”

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