Fetish for appearance

Alex, a high school student, possesses a striking appearance, not for his remarkable handsomeness, but for his striking lack thereof. Standing at a mere one meter forty-nine and weighing sixty-seven kilograms, Alex's movements are labored. He gasps for breath after a mere ten steps. It's not just his physique, but also his thick lips, dusky skin, minuscule eyes veiled behind thick glasses, and a flat nose that expose him to mockery and bullying. Each school day is an ordeal for Alex, a painful routine he believes will change, yet ultimately endures. Upon entering, a class bully intercepts: "Where's my gym shirt?" "I'll place it on your desk promptly sir." "Move it, hurry up!" Towering at one meter seventy, he casts a shadow over Alex, like mismatched chopsticks. He heads a clique skilled in turmoil, torment, and combat, with Alex as their prime target. Others can only sigh and remark, "Thankfully, this fool..." Alex hurries to prepare his uniform, but collides with a girl in his haste. "You complete imbecile, have you no eyes?" Then she sighs, "Oh, I forgot, your beady eyes only see the ground like a piggy eyes." Alex bowed his head, then lifted it with a plea, "I apologize, please forgive me." A lackey of the bully jeered, "What a pig! Were you trying to peek under her skirt?" "No, no, I wasn't," Alex vehemently shook his head. Unrelenting, the guy seized Alex's hair, causing him to silently scream in agony. He then clenched his fist, ready to strike. "Enough. Release him. Let him fetch my uniform. P.E. time approaches. A little retribution won't hurt," the bully's leader intervened, his grin malicious. In the pre-P.E. field, Alex stood before the goalpost, confronting the bully who wielded the ball. In a heartbeat, the ball soared toward Alex's head, propelled by full force. Fear made Alex instinctively shrink back, evading the ball's trajectory. The net yielded, as the ball surged through with an almost piercing intensity. The furious bully bellowed, "You fool! Dodging won't save you! You just cost me the bet." A robust youth grinned, approaching, holding the ball, "Thanks, moron. First one to smack this i***t's head gets twenty bucks. Looks like I'm cashing in." Alex quivered, his hands and feet trembling, as he stared at the bully's powerful legs. Dodging the ball might lessen the blows to come. With rapid velocity, the ball hurtled toward him. In an instant, a resounding "Thud!" reverberated through the air, scattering a flock of birds from their tree branch perch. On the ground, Alex lay sprawled, the impact squarely on his head, blood trickling from his nose. Dizziness and searing pain engulfed his mind. The bully's assault continued, advancing to clutch Alex's collar, wrenching him upwards. "Hey! You just cost me twenty bucks. How should I handle you now?" "I... I'll give you the twenty dollars back," Alex stammered. The bully's expression soured, teeth grinding, he retorted, "Are you mocking me? Do you think I'm so destitute that I'd take twenty dollars from your old man?" "No, that's not what I meant," Alex protested, yet in the next instant, the bully's fist hammered his face repeatedly. A pitiable tale for Alex, trapped in such a plight – a fate he was destined to bear. Who ever claimed being born unattractive was a simple journey? "Hey, look, the teacher's approaching. Let's halt for now." With the PE instructor's arrival, the class resumed, freeing Alex from the torment of those tormentors. Alex always treaded cautiously, head bowed, gravitating toward shadows unnoticed. Incessant self-awareness and anxiety clung to him. The mere utterance of 'school' conjured visions of those bullies, a cohort of humiliation and exasperation, inciting tears to pool in his eyes. Returning home, he faced the visage of Mrs. Joan, his mother. Petite, her constitution weary from toil, her complexion darkened by labor. As she prepared supper, she inquired tenderly, "Hello, my child, how was your day at school?" For Alex, she was his sole kin. In a dilapidated boarding house, the two eked out their existence. Since his birth, Alex's father had vanished, denouncing him as unsightly, accusing his mother of betrayal. A door slammed shut, reverberating through the dwelling, a resonant "Bang!" "Mom, I want to change schools," Alex burst forth. Mrs. Joan lapsed into silence, then approached Alex unhurriedly. "My child, why do you wish to leave when things appear stable?" Frustration surged within Alex; his fist met the table with force. "It's far from stable! Far from it!" "So... why?" she inquired, gentleness in her voice. Alex sighed profoundly, "Because I yearn for a new setting to dedicate myself to studies. Here... it's too chaotic, I can't focus on learning." Mrs. Joan clasped her son's hand, uttering, "My beloved child, I've toiled arduously to secure this abode, to provide you with a steadfast education. I've juggled two or three jobs simultaneously. Relocating... it's not viable, my child. Please comprehend, we're grappling with significant hardships." Alex surged to his feet, his fist colliding with the wall in a raw surge of emotion. Frustrated cries echoed as tears streamed down his cheeks. "Enough! Why? Why must I even exist? Why was I cursed with this wretched appearance? And to add insult to injury, we inhabit this wretched hovel. It's unjust! Trapped in this miserable existence! I've borne it long enough!" The wall he struck was naught but a thin, frail divider, now punctured, exposing crude brickwork and vermin within. In that moment, Mrs. Joan remained silent, perplexity etched across her face. Yet, she comprehended her son's anguish. Tears welled in her eyes, mirroring his pain. The year her spouse departed, she stood alone, tasked with raising an infant, bereft of kin and a helping hand. "Mom, I'm sorry! I no longer wish to change schools. Let's endure this life. I truly apologize..." Dawn brought yet another day of agony for Alex. Laden with six trays of breakfast and three backpacks on his shoulders, he trudged forward. His routine: catering to the gang's leaders. Only upon completing this duty could Alex savor his own meal. However, this day felt different. His limbs lacked their usual vigor. A girl from the gang inadvertently collided with him, sending trays of food crashing to the ground, contents strewn. The gang leader rose, clenching his teeth. "You wretch! Hey, that was our breakfast! What are we to eat now?" "No... no... I apologize, it was this girl..." Alex stammered. The girl accused by Alex fired back, "What? You're blaming me for knocking over those trays?" "Very well... if Alex has ruined our meal, then fine, we'll abstain. Yet, this morning, Alex shall bear a punishment." One gang member voiced the decision. They hauled Alex to a tree in the schoolyard, motioning towards a beehive. "Since you've cost us breakfast, it's your turn to fetch us honey... Ha ha ha." "Scale that tree and retrieve that beehive, quickly." While they spoke, they readied their phones to capture the spectacle. Gazing upward at the beehive, teeming with hefty, droning bees, Alex's skin prickled with goosebumps. Their needle-like stingers were evident, a menacing display. "But, sir, I... I can't! The bees will sting me, and I could even die." Fear taints Alex's plea to the gang leader. "What? You're backing out?" "I can't." Before Alex could finish his reply, the gang leader's fist crashed into his gut, forcing him to double over in pain. In the next heartbeat, the gang leader seized Alex by his hair once more. "Stop! Cease this at once!" A frantic shout emanated from a distance. It was Alex's mother. "Oh, look, Alex's mom is here." The bullying ceased immediately. Mrs. Joan simmered with rage, yet age had enfeebled her. Her trembling voice crackled as she yelled, every utterance hinting at potential collapse from exertion. Summoning her waning strength, she swung both hands at the gang leader, demanding, "Why torment my child? How dare you? Why... why subject this young boy to such cruelty?" The gang leader half-heartedly shielded himself from the elderly woman's feeble blows. "We were just messing around, that's all." Gales of laughter erupted from the other kids: "Ha ha ha ha... Look at this! So entertaining." "Ha ha ha..." ... Alex shouted: "Mom, stop! You're embarrassing me. We were... just playing, I swear!!!" In that instant, Mrs. Joan halted, gazing at her son with a crestfallen expression. She remained silent for a minute, then walked away, muttering, "I... I apologize, everyone." As evening descended, the sun's glow ebbed on the horizon, welcoming Alex back home. Swinging the door open, he spotted his diminutive mother. How could he confront her after she'd witnessed his torment? Spotting her son's return, Mrs. Joan inquired with a tender voice: "Ah, Alex is home. Why the delay today?" "Had extra homework, so the teacher kept us back." Observing the bruises marring Alex's face, Mrs. Joan's smile materialized as she ushered him to the dining table. "Dear, transferring schools might be wise. Education's crucial, and I've set aside this sum for you." She extended a stack of money. "Mom..." "Don't worry. Renting this place, settling here – it's been tough on me. I can't go with you. Take this money and head to your new school. I'll send you support each month." Tears welled in Alex's battered eyes. He lowered his head and accepted: "Yes, I'll study hard and be prudent with the money..." Waking up in an unfamiliar room, in a distant locale, Alex consoled himself, chalking it up to a dream. "From now on, I'm forging a new path, and I must exude confidence. No one will bully me again." Alex ventured into the unfamiliar surroundings, embarking on a neighborhood exploration. Everything was fresh and foreign. Here, he was a stranger to all, a fact he embraced wholeheartedly, relishing in the anonymity that shielded his past, his torment unknown. On the road, an inadvertent collision with a girl led them both to tumble. Rising to his feet, Alex kept his head bowed, ready to apologize. Yet, the girl spoke first: "I'm really sorry, it's my fault." Alex was taken aback – accustomed to shouldering blame and offering apologies, this kindness struck him profoundly. "This is different... people here seem more considerate. No need to bow and beg for forgiveness. It's a new life, Alex. Let's smile." His internal monologue resonated. And so, a smile adorned Alex's face as he replied, "It's alright! Hehehe..." Yet, perhaps his expression didn't align with the sentiment. In his attempt to smile, his already small eyes seemed to vanish entirely, his nose took on exaggerated proportions, and his mouth stretched wide, exposing uneven, yellowed teeth – a disconcerting countenance. "Hehehehe....." Perhaps the passage of time without a smile had left him resembling someone learning to laugh. The girl regarded him with a mixture of trepidation and intrigue. "Sophia! Sophia, what are you doing here?" A tall, suave young man, with a portion of his eyebrows shaved off, an aura slightly reminiscent of a "gangster," stepped into view. They seemed to be a couple. "Nothing serious, just an accidental collision," Sophia replied. "True, I'm fine," Alex chimed in. The young man scrutinized Alex from head to toe, then clasped Sophia's hand and departed. Alex maintained his "friendly" smile for Sophia. "Heheheh..." But those who witnessed his smile recoiled in terror. Consequently, Sophia quivered when met with Alex's unsettling grin, bearing resemblance to certain unsavory characters. Observing Alex's laughter directed at Sophia, the young man aimed a kick to his stomach and a punch to his face. Alex crumpled to the ground, bewildered and wracked with pain. Blood from his nose stained the pavement. The gathering passersby formed a circle, drawn by the spectacle. "Look, everyone, this chubby pig is harassing the girl," the young man exclaimed. Sophia yanked him back, "Stop it, Ecudor, enough! Cease this!" Unfazed, Ecudor, the young man, continued his advance, unmoved by the girl's plea. Each kick was forceful and precise. Around them, the crowd hoisted their phones, capturing the scene and rallying behind Ecudor: "That's right, beat up this tubby loser, he's repulsive and disgusting." "Give him a thrashing, let him suffer. Well done, bro." ... Alex writhed in agony, numbness creeping over him. Within his tiny eyes, the encircling onlookers brandished their phones, pointing, cheering. Unbidden, recollections of his past bullies materialized. Not all here were kind – such was the world's harsh reality. A person burdened with an unsightly exterior would invariably face hardship, irrespective of locale. Alex realized change was elusive. When consciousness returned, his body was clammy, a symphony of ache enveloping every motion. On social media feeds, images and videos of Alex enduring the assault proliferated, accompanied by headlines like: "Deplorable Fat Man Receives Just Desserts, How Riveting," "Pig or Human? Unsettling Encounter," "Is He Even Human? The Ugliness is Unfathomable," "Abject Creep, I've Never Beheld Such Unsightliness," "His Sole Purpose: Beneath Another's Heel." Alex set his phone aside, hands covering his face as he succumbed to uncontrollable tears, his vulnerability bared like that of a child: "Why must the world be so cruel? Why can't I alter anything...??" "I wish for a different countenance..." After hours of weeping, Alex eventually drifted into slumber, only to awaken with a surprising absence of pain. Instead, he sensed a newfound firmness and vigor. "Perhaps the repeated beatings acted like boxer training, molding me, ha ha..." "But honestly, there's something different today. Was the ceiling always this close?" Determined, Alex advanced towards the bathroom. "The sink is oddly low; washing my face is a struggle..." "No, it's not that! It's not the world around me sinking, but me growing taller!" Just as he pondered, Alex promptly glanced leftward into the mirror. Yet, within its polished surface was a visage foreign and utterly alien. Startled and terror-stricken, Alex recoiled, collapsing to the floor. "Who are you???!!" Within the house's silence, Alex's breath was the sole sound. Summoning courage, Alex gingerly rose, confronting the mirror once more. It unveiled a different young man. Spiraled locks crowned a face marked by a tall, aquiline nose and deep emerald eyes, framed by thin lips. An angular countenance possessed fair, rosy skin, and a towering height of 1.8 meters. A masterpiece emerged, a striking allure impossible to conceal, even in the shadows – one in a thousand. "Who are you?" Alex's voice again pierced the silence, this time noting the change in his own tone. "It can't be... How am I in this person's form? Wait...What the...?" Uttering these words, Alex ventured into the bedroom. His repulsive body lay sprawled, even snoring in slumber. Alex extended a hand, making contact with the dormant figure. Instantaneously, his consciousness reverted to his initial body, while the handsome shell tumbled to the floor. "Got it... So, contact transfers my soul." His theory confirmed, Alex reached out to the new body. His essence instantaneously shifted, leaving the previous unattractive vessel inert. Within the new form, strength surged. A smile adorned Alex's face as he rose, walking to the front door, where morning's gentle light illuminated his visage. A breathtaking smile emerged, teeth pristine white, a heart-shaped mouth – perfection akin to a dagger piercing a young girl's heart. He glanced back at the slumbering figure. In contrast to this new embodiment, Alex's previous form seemed grotesque, devoid of allure. "I... I will forge a fresh existence, that's my resolve!" The baggy attire bespoke of his new chubby form, a stark contrast to the svelte physique he now inhabited. Although the clothes leaned towards old-fashioned, admirers emerged everywhere Alex traversed, captivated by his presence. Yet, being the cynosure of all eyes, a role unfamiliar to his inherently shy disposition, left him disconcerted. Proceeding to the school gate, Alex experienced a mild shock. The new school's sprawling grandeur and beauty surpassed expectations. Stylish, fashionable students exuded an air of affluence, most blessed with beauty. A blond male student preened, sculpting his hair with evident satisfaction: "Sigh... Today, I am irresistibly dashing, the center of attention..." Before he could conclude, an excited female group approached from behind. He turned, a smug grin in place – only to collide with Alex. Alex's expression could murder without a weapon – an unmistakable intensity. "Oops! Apologies." Alex uttered. Afterward, Alex was brushed aside by both the girls and the group, left in isolation, a mere afterthought. "Everyone, let's warmly welcome our new student from the Fashion Design class!" The teacher's gaze settled upon Alex. The classroom buzzed with heightened enthusiasm. "Wow, he's so handsome…Oh my goodness, how can he...He is so handsome!!!" "Where did this handsome guy come from? His nose is like a dagger, piercing straight into my heart, I'm going to die now for him." "No, his eyes are even more captivating, they sparkle and allure." Alone at the front of the bustling classroom, amidst the discussions, Alex felt his cheeks heat up in embarrassment, turning a shade of crimson. "Look, he's adorable!!!" A tall, fair-skinned girl sporting two lengthy pigtails and holding a handheld fan approached, latching onto Alex's arm. "Hi, I'm Yona. What's your name?" Alex smiled and responded: "Hello Yona, I'm Alex." With that, he made his way to a desk at the back of the classroom, but Yona persisted, maintaining the conversation. Her eyes shimmered, seemingly intent on engulfing Alex. "Enough already! Leave him alone and return to your seat, Yona!" A boy seated to Alex's left shouted, his irritation palpable. Turning to face the source of the outburst, Alex realized it was the same boy who had confronted him on the street yesterday, mistakenly believing Alex was flirting with his girlfriend. Alex's heart raced in surprise and trepidation. [Oh no, how did he end up in the same class as me? But wait, I'm in a different body now. Hopefully, he won't recognize me.] Yona's tone suddenly changed as she retorted fiercely and sarcastically to the boy, distinct from the sweet voice she'd used with Alex: "Hey Kenro, I'm conversing with the new student. Don't mind me. It's not every day we have such a handsome guy around; why should I deny my interest in the new transfer student?" Kenro responded with a sneer, "She clings to anyone she finds handsome." Glancing around, Alex spotted the girl from yesterday a couple of desks away – Kenro's girlfriend. What an odd coincidence. The girl was gazing at Alex with beguiling eyes. Suddenly, Kenro pounded the desk and cursed, "Damn it, why is she looking at that Alex with those eyes?" His gaze shifted to Alex, a storm brewing in his eyes, leaving Alex trembling and perspiring. Since his arrival, not a moment had passed without girls flocking to Alex. All eyes rested on him with fascination, admiration, and desire. [A stark contrast in appearance is evident. This world is deceptive; looks wield immense power, akin to a talent.] After a full day at school, the sun dipped below the horizon, and Alex returned home. Gazing at his other body slumbering peacefully, he released a sigh of relief. Slipping off his shoes and entering the house, Alex lay down and drifted into a doze. In sleep, his soul would seamlessly traverse into the other body. As the handsome form succumbed to slumber, Alex jolted awake within his original body. Realizing his predicament, Alex hurriedly laid down on his bed, closing his eyes tightly and trying to induce sleep. He focused on relaxing every muscle, clearing his mind, and mimicking the sensation of drifting off. Minutes turned into an eternity as Alex struggled to transition his consciousness back to the other body. Frustration built up, and he couldn't help but think about the consequences of being caught napping in class. He recalled the manager's warning about customer service attitude and how crucial it was to maintain professionalism. Just as he was about to give up and accept the situation, a wave of fatigue washed over him. His consciousness slowly shifted, and Alex felt the sensation of being pulled away from his room, from his own body, and back into the classroom. With a sudden jolt, Alex's eyes shot open. He was back in his original body, seated at his desk, surrounded by his classmates. The teacher was still lecturing, seemingly unaware of Alex's brief absence. Alex's heart raced as he looked around, relieved to find himself back in the classroom. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and discreetly glanced at his watch. Only a few minutes had passed since he fell asleep. [Phew, that was close. I managed to transfer back just in time. I need to be more careful from now on. Falling asleep like that could have exposed everything.] As the lecture continued, Alex fought to stay awake, determined to avoid any further mishaps. He knew that navigating this double life required precision and careful timing. Despite the challenges, Alex was driven by the prospect of a new beginning, a chance to reshape his life and overcome the adversities he had faced. With two bodies and twenty-four hours at his disposal, he was determined to seize every opportunity and create a brighter future for himself. Alex's heart raced as he stood in the alley, faced with the intimidating trio. The situation had escalated quickly, and he found himself trapped between the potential thief and the menacing figures in front of him. Elobi, the boy he had chased, seemed to know these men. His trembling hands revealed his fear as he held out the stolen cigarette packs. Alex's mind raced as he assessed the situation. He realized that he couldn't back down now; he needed to stand his ground and defuse the tension. "Listen, guys, I don't want any trouble. Let's all just calm down," Alex spoke, his voice firm but measured. The three men exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of amusement and skepticism. "Who's this little hero?" one of them sneered. "Just a*****e clerk, probably trying to be a tough guy," another added, smirking. Alex held his ground, his eyes scanning the surroundings for an exit strategy. "I'm not trying to be a hero," Alex replied, keeping his tone steady. "I just want to make sure everything is settled peacefully. We don't need any problems here." Elobi, still visibly nervous, handed the cigarette packs back to Alex. "Here, take them. I didn't want any trouble either," Elobi mumbled, avoiding eye contact. The tension in the air was palpable, and Alex knew he had to navigate this situation carefully. His goal was to de-escalate and avoid any physical confrontation. "Look, Elobi, it's not worth getting into trouble over this. Just think about it. And you guys," Alex turned to the three men, "there's no need to make a big issue out of this. Let's all go our separate ways and put this behind us." The men exchanged glances again, seemingly assessing Alex's sincerity. After a tense moment, one of them grunted and nodded. "Fine. We don't need any trouble with the cops tonight," he muttered. Alex let out a small sigh of relief as the situation began to defuse. He handed the cigarette packs back to Elobi. "Take these and go home. Just remember, making the right choices matters," Alex advised Elobi. Elobi nodded and quickly left the alley. The three men eyed Alex for a moment longer before turning and disappearing into the darkness. Alone in the alley once more, Alex leaned against the wall, his heart still pounding. He realized that his newfound appearance had given him an unexpected advantage in diffusing the situation. With his handsome face and confident demeanor, he had managed to avoid a potential confrontation. As he made his way back to the convenience store, Alex couldn't help but reflect on the power of appearances and the opportunities it presented. He understood that while his new body had opened doors, it was his actions and words that truly determined the path he would take. With a renewed sense of purpose, Alex returned to his duties, determined to make the most of this double life and shape his future in a way he had never imagined possible. Alex's heart sank as he realized that his attempt to mediate the situation had fallen on deaf ears. The leader's mocking laughter and his proposal for a fight only escalated the tension further. It was clear that reasoning with these bullies might not be as effective as he had hoped. Elobi hesitated, clearly torn between the pressure from the bullies and the potential consequences of engaging in a fight. Alex could see the fear in Elobi's eyes, and he knew he needed to act quickly to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. "Wait!" Alex's voice was firm and commanding, cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Fighting each other won't solve anything. It's just going to lead to more pain and suffering. We're all better than that." The leader scowled, clearly annoyed by Alex's interruption. "And who are you to tell us what's right?" Alex stood his ground, meeting the leader's gaze with unwavering determination. "I'm someone who believes that we can rise above our circumstances and make choices that will lead to a better future. But that starts with rejecting violence and finding a way to resolve our issues without hurting each other." Elobi looked back and forth between Alex and the bullies, clearly struggling with his decision. The leader seemed to consider Alex's words for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Enough of this nonsense," the leader finally said, his tone dismissive. "We don't need a lecture from you. Elobi, you have two options: fight or face the consequences." Alex's mind raced as he tried to come up with a solution. He knew that he couldn't let Elobi fight, and he couldn't allow himself to be dragged into a physical altercation either. "Elobi, you don't have to do this." Elobi looked torn, his gaze shifting between the bullies and Alex. The leader's patience was clearly wearing thin, and the situation was becoming increasingly volatile. Alex's heart pounded, and he took a step forward, placing himself between Elobi and the bullies. "I won't let anyone be hurt here." For a moment, time seemed to stand still as the tension in the alley reached its peak. Elobi's face contorted with internal struggle, and the leader's scowl deepened. Then, unexpectedly, the leader let out a frustrated sigh and stepped back. "Fine, whatever. Let's go, guys." The other bullies followed suit, and they left the alley without another word. Alex watched them go, his heart still racing, relief washing over him. Elobi stood there, his shoulders slumped, clearly overwhelmed by the ordeal. Alex approached him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You made the right choice," Alex said softly. "Remember, you have the power to change your life." Elobi nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and determination. Alex knew that this was just the beginning, and that Elobi's journey toward breaking free from the cycle of bullying and intimidation would be a challenging one. As they stood in the dimly lit alley, Alex felt a sense of purpose and hope. He had managed to make a difference, even in the face of adversity, and he knew that he was on a path to shaping his own destiny and helping others along the way. The other two henchmen started laughing in a taunting manner as well. The leader stood behind Elobi and patted him on the shoulder: "Fight him, don't let me down." The other henchman stood behind Alex and said: "Fatty, I believe you'll win, go for it!" Alex and Elobi looked at each other with fear and uncertainty. Alex glanced at Elobi and saw his past self in him, so he couldn't hurt him. Suddenly, another gang emerged from the corner of the street, like a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. They were unlike the bullies from earlier, much taller and stronger. Led by a guy named Osbi, who had a bit of a beard and mustache, they approached with unwavering confidence. "Who's he?" The bewildered bully stuttered, unsure of how to react in this situation. He hesitated and showed a hint of fear, as Osbi seemed incredibly powerful, and his group appeared no different. The lead bully stepped forward, throwing a punch that Osbi effortlessly dodged. Not only that, but Osbi also grabbed the bully's hand, twisting it and causing him to cry out in pain. The others in the gang attempted to advance, but one by one, they were subdued by Osbi. "Who is this guy, he's really so strong... To him, those bullies were nothing more than children," Alex thought. Realizing they couldn't continue, the bullies retreated. Despite his fear, Elobi mustered the courage to speak up, "We're truly grateful, sir! May I ask who you are?" Osbi turned and replied, "I'm Osbi, just call me Osbi." Under the dim yellow light, Osbi's shadow cast over Alex's face. Suddenly, he glanced at Alex and said, "Hey, you should learn some self-defense techniques. Someday, I'll teach you." After speaking, Osbi and his group walked away. Elobi approached Alex and said, "Hey, I'm sorry." "It's alright, I understand. I... I've been through something similar, too. This world can be terrifying when we don't have standout looks or a strong and powerful body," Alex said. Elobi remembering, they had taken Elobi to his grandmother's food stand. His grandmother, unaware of the situation, had joyfully thought that Elobi had many friends, so she had fed them for free. "Well, Elobi has friends, so I'm happy! Come on, kids, eat to your heart's content. It's on the house," she had said. "Yes! We thank Elobi's grandmother! Oh my, Elobi's grandmother cooks such delicious food. It's really amazing, surely you have lots of customers every day," they had praised. But after they left, they spat out the food and sneered, saying, "Good grief! The food at Elobi's house is terrible. Does his grandmother cook food for pigs?"