In the Philippines, there is a strange disease that has plagued us for centuries. Even today, it still causes damage. It is called crab mentality. People feel pain at the success of others. The only thing that makes them feel better is pulling others down to their level like crabs in a bucket.
And right now. We are being dragged down my 6 of our senior.
They don't look friendly.
Joseph was already shaking without even knowing what was happening. Everyone was visibly nervous except Kyle.
Kyle was staring at them intently. Seeing this, the seniors started getting irritated by his gaze.
"Do you have a problem?" one of the biggest among them asked. He put his arms around my shoulder trying to intimidate me.
Man, we seriously don't have a problem with you. You surrounded us and then asked what the problem is, does that even make sense?
"So why did you call us?" I asked, trying to stop this nonsense. While putting his arms away from me.
"Oh, I just want to teach you guys a lesson since we belong to the same club," he said with a smile. He was amused with my reply.
Joseph and the others started to relax except me and Kyle. We both knew this wasn't just that.
"Thank you, Senior. We're done for today. Our coach told us to go home," I replied politely while taking a slight bow.
Sometimes this works. Some people just want to feel superior. If you agree with them, you can avoid bigger problems.
However, I think they are acting with the presence of alcohol. So I failed. His face contorted like he ate some bug.
"What?! You're rejecting our offer? I don't even know why Louise chose you five. You're this lazy. With this opportunity, you should be practicing every chance you get!" he said, raising his voice. While pointing his finger to us.
"But " Raven tried to speak.
"No buts. Put your asses back on stage. We'll teach you some steps."
Raven and Joseph were about to follow. They started putting their bags down.
But the three of us didn't move.
I didn't want to. I was already tired, and I didn't have time for this.
Kyle picked up his bag and walked away.
He's more courageous than all of us.
I followed him. Carlo hesitated for a moment, looking back and forth then chose to follow us.
"You ungrateful bunch!!" feeling humiliated by the way we acted.
The seniors got angry and chased after us.
"Run! Follow me!" I shouted. Kyle and Carlo followed. They started to run alongside me. However, Carlo deviated with our path trying to confuse them but he was just ignored. Because they saw where I am heading they prioritize us.
I ran straight toward the principal's office.
This kind of thing needs to be reported.
The seniors rushed after us, trying to stop us.
Being reported for bullying is serious. The worst punishment is expulsion.
"Hey, stop!!" they shouted as they got closer to us. Their stride is much larger than ours because they are bigger. They also have much bigger muscles. But I ignore them and focus on my goal.
In my past life, as a teacher, this kind of direct bullying was what I hated the most. Some students even took their home lives just to end this kind of treatment.
Jokes are fine. I can ignore small things. At least they won't do something that will physically drain us.
But this?
No.
If we let this continue, we'll be bullied for the rest of the year.
I experienced that before.
I won't let it happen again.
I kept on running
But Kyle slowed down.
The practice had already drained him, and now his breathing turned uneven, heavy. His steps staggered.
They caught him.
"No!" He struggled, twisting his body, trying to break free but it was useless.
I glanced back.
For a second, our eyes met
Go.
He didn't say it, but I understood.
Don't stop.
My chest tightened.
I turned away.
A dull thud echoed behind me as his body hit the ground.
Students nearby started to panic. The noise grew louder, attracting attention.
"Stop!!" they shouted desperately.
I didn't stop.
I'm not some protagonist in a story who fights back dramatically. Reminding myself.
I ran straight into the office.
Inside, teachers were having a meeting.
I was sweating, breathing heavily from both running and practice. They all looked at me in confusion, especially the principal sitting in the center.
"Why–" one teacher began.
I cut her off.
"We need help! My friends are getting beaten outside!!" sweating and gasping for air. My clothes were drenched and my hands and legs were shaking from being pushed to the limits.
My words were enough.
Everyone rushed out immediately.
No hesitation.
Seeing that help was already coming, the adrenaline left my body.
I collapsed onto the floor, enjoying the cold air from the AC.
—
Outside, chaos.
Students gathered around.
When the principal and teachers arrived, the seniors panicked.
Instead of stopping, they became more violent.
They kicked Kyle repeatedly. Trying to take revenge for what will happen to them. Blaming him for the problem.
He cried out in pain.
The teachers rushed forward and pulled them away.
Carlo and the others quickly explained what happened.
The seniors resisted wildly, like trapped animals.
To make things worse they had alcohol in their system.
Their judgment was gone.
—
When I stepped outside after resting, everything was already under control.
But I didn't expect Kyle to be hurt that badly. I underestimated the desperation of a trapped beast.
That made me even angrier. Feeling guilty for leaving him behind
I saw him being carried by a teacher, rushed to the hospital.
Students were still murmuring.
Teachers were sweating.
The principal immediately called for a meeting and we were included.
Joseph was crying uncontrollably. Seeing his friend being beaten up and taken to hospital.
—
Inside the meeting room, we retold everything. The teacher was shocked by what had happened. These kinds of things rarely happen.
The jealousy, insecurity and alcohol are a combination that rarely occurs in school. This might be the first time this happened.
The seniors being trapped and glared at, unwillingly, admitted their mistake.
The teachers scolded them harshly.
One teacher even grabbed a student by the collar. He clearly had a grudge. Back when he was trying to separate them up he was kicked and punched by them. The other teacher tries to calm him down before things escalate.
After the teacher was taken outside, the principal looked at us.
"Do any of you have contact with Kyle's parents?" the principal asked, visibly stressed.
No one answered. Our reaction caused the veins to appear in her head. Causing us to back down.
She looked at the bullies with irritation.
"You six!!. I'll deal with you on Monday. Go back to your classes immediately!"
They rushed out.
Then one teacher leaned toward the principal.
"Ma'am… those six smell like alcohol."
"Fuck!!! Why didn't you say that earlier?!" slamming the table as she pointed to the teacher. The teacher just quietly bowed her head in shame.
The principal lost control for a moment.
Then she realized students were present.
She took a deep breath and composed herself.
My group became even more tense.
Joseph's face was a mess of tears and snot.
"You four can go home. Bring your parents on Monday. We will have a meeting." she said as she holding and massaging her temple
"You don't have to worry about Kyle. We will handle this fairly."
"Go home. Inform your parents."
We nodded and left.
No one spoke.
We just walked, listening to the distant noise of students and laughter.
—
Back in the office-
"Call Louise here. Drag her if needed."
"Her club is already in chaos, and she's absent?!"