734 words - Sore Must be The Storm, Jayn Grappling with the Memory of Arai's Gunging

Jayn’s peers nod, simper. Isn’t Jayn just so kind, so giving, such an unending well of benevolence that they won’t even blame Arai for doing this? So understanding, a paragon of virtue, the perfect victim who is always easy to love. Clever and quick but never abrasive, courteous and thoughtful but never holier-than-thou, charming and friendly even to the freak who wouldn’t leave them alone and ended up attacking them-

Jayn can feel his smile cracking. He wants to turn the school against Arai, knows that it would be easy, knows that his peers wouldn’t hesitate before taking their side.

He also knows that it would be a bad look. Martyrs and idols alike don’t seek vengeance.