"Come on, why are you being so stingy?" the boy teased, throwing an arm over his classmate's shoulders. The other boy stiffened but didn’t shake him off immediately. In front of them, two more boys stood watching, smirking.
"I already told you—I don’t have any money. And even if I did, I wouldn’t be giving it to you." He finally pushed the arm off, his voice firm but wary.
"Why are you being so difficult?" His aggressor suddenly drove a fist into his stomach. The blow knocked the air out of him, a harsh cough escaping his lips. He nearly crumpled, but the other boy's grip kept him upright—not as a kindness, but as control.
"See? You should’ve just listened. We’re only borrowing a little cash. It’s not like we won’t pay it back." Another boy chimed in, crossing his arms.
"Liar," the boy
