The next day—
Things didn't stay calm.
Of course they didn't.
"—I'm just saying, he's better off."
Krit stopped walking.
Slowly turned.
"…Who said that?"
Mali already knew this was bad.
Phuwin sighed. "Krit, don't—"
"No, I want to know," Krit said.
The guy shrugged. "Everyone's thinking it."
Wrong answer.
Krit stepped forward.
Fast.
Too fast.
"Say it again."
Mali grabbed his arm immediately. "Krit!"
Phuwin stepped in front of him. "Stop."
"I'm not stopping."
"You are."
"They don't get to talk about you like that—"
"I said stop."
Silence.
Tight.
Sharp.
Krit looked at Phuwin.
Really looked.
"…Why are you defending them?"
"I'm not defending them," Phuwin said. "I'm stopping you."
"They're talking about you."
"I know."
"Then why don't you care?"
"I do!" Phuwin snapped.
That shut everyone up.
"…I just don't want this to get worse," he continued, quieter now.
Krit's expression shifted.
Anger → frustration → something else.
Mali stepped in gently. "…Let's go."
This time—
Krit listened.
They walked away.
Again.
But it felt heavier now.
"…You don't have to fight everyone," Phuwin said.
Krit let out a sharp breath. "Maybe I want to."
"Well, don't."
"Why?"
"Because it's embarrassing."
Krit blinked. "…That's your reason?"
"Yes."
"…Wow."
Mali almost laughed.
Almost.