When the Story Continues (Sequel to When the Script Changes)

Chapter 41: Through Fire and Love

Pin Didn't Think the Bullying Would Ever Stop.

Even after Anil stepped in.

Even after Sam and Mon made sure the school handled it.

There was still that feeling.

That lingering doubt.

That voice in her head whispering, It'll happen again. They'll find a new way. You'll always be the quiet, nerdy girl that doesn't fit in.

Pin had spent her whole life avoiding conflict.

She never stood out. Never tried to be noticed. Never gave people a reason to hate her.

And yet, here she was.

Hated anyway.

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Anil Was Always Watching.

Pin thought she was good at hiding things.

But Anil knew better.

Because every time Pin flinched at a passing student, every time she hugged her books tighter, every time she pretended to be fine—

Anil saw it all.

And it killed her.

Because Pin deserved everything good in this world.

And these idiots at school?

They didn't know who they were messing with.

So Anil had a plan.

And like all of Anil's plans—

It was bold, slightly reckless, and 100% effective.

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Anil waited until lunch period.

Then she climbed onto a table in the middle of the cafeteria.

Students turned. Gasped. Whispered.

Anil cleared her throat, loudly.

"Alright, listen up!"

The room fell silent.

Pin, sitting in the corner with her book, froze.

Oh no.

Anil smirked.

"I just wanna make something clear," she said, loud enough for every single person in the room to hear. "Anyone who thinks it's okay to mess with Pilantita Armstrong-Chankimha—"

Her eyes scanned the crowd.

"—needs to understand that you're not just messing with her."

She crossed her arms.

"You're messing with me."

A wave of hushed whispers spread through the cafeteria.

Pin's face burned.

Anil wasn't done.

"I don't care who you are. I don't care if you think you're funny or tough or whatever—Pin is off-limits. Got it?"

More whispers.

Anil grinned.

"And if anyone has a problem with that..." She hopped off the table. "You can take it up with me."

Silence.

Then—

A single clap.

Followed by another.