Young Writers Society

Shara stepped back, gasping at the sheer audacity. She was about to extend her spell when Bosch stepped in again, aiming a punch to Nahi's face. Shara tried to dodge for her, but with Nahi in her arms, she was a bit too slow.

Pain bloomed across her lip before they could even register what was happening. They could taste the metal tang of blood as they covered their mouth, shame making their cheeks burn.

Bosch reared up again but Shara was quicker this time and kicked out, pulling Nahi in tighter. Bosch crumpled like a tin can. Shara stomped her foot and the ground and finally something seemed to penetrate that thick skull as he ran away.

Shara turned to Nahi, hugging them closer. "I'm so sorry I wasn't faster."

Nahi shook their head. “No. No it’s okay. It’s fine. You didn’t… have to do anything. You… caught me. And that’s already enough.”

Shara nodded. "If you say so..I...goodness. Okay. Let me..let me check this stupid roommate thing and I..I'll get that lip fixed okay. I can do it. Combat medic over here. One minute."

Nahi shook their head. “You don’t have to. You can set me down. I’ll get out of the way. It’s fine. I’ve already caused you enough trouble.”

Shara shook her head. "I take my pledges seriously Nahi."

Nahi cringed. “But… You saw. You’ll have to deal with people like him all year. And he’s low on the food chain.”

"I like a challenge....if...if you'll have me."

“I don’t want to be the reason why you’re hurt.”

"I can handle myself. It'll be fine."

“Even still. What if something happens? It’s too much of a risk.”

"Did you not hear the part about liking a challenge?"

Nahi sighed. “Nothing I say will convince you, huh?”

"Nope."