The school bully attacks a black girl… without knowing who is her father…

That’s when she felt it. A sharp tug on her backpack, pulling her back slightly. Not enough to hurt her, but enough to let her know that Bryce wasn’t letting this go.

Maya stopped. Slowly, she turned around. For a moment, the hallway felt silent.

Even the students who weren’t paying attention before had started to watch. She met Bryce’s gaze, and for the first time, something flickered in his eyes. Curiosity, maybe even a little surprise.

You shouldn’t have done that, Maya said quietly. Bryce raised an eyebrow. Then he laughed.

A slow, mocking laugh. And why’s that, he smirked. Maya didn’t answer.

She just held his gaze, unflinching. Bryce tilted his head. You’re kinda weird, you know that? A few chuckles from his friends.

Maya turned back around and walked away. She didn’t have to look back to know that Bryce wasn’t finished with her yet, and he had no idea what kind of mistake he was about to make. The rest of the day went by in a blur.

Maya stuck to the back of the classroom, answering only when necessary, avoiding eye contact. She ate lunch alone, finding a spot near the edge of the cafeteria where she could watch without being watched. Bryce and his friends owned the lunchroom.

They took up the biggest table in the center, talking loudly, laughing as if they didn’t have a care in the world. Every once in a while, Maya would feel his eyes flicker toward her, but he didn’t approach. Not yet.

By the end of the day, Maya was relieved to finally escape the school. The Houston heat was still strong, making the pavement shimmer as she walked toward the bus stop. Just as she reached for her phone, she heard a voice behind her.

Hey, new girl. She turned. Bryce stood there, hands in his pockets, a grin still plastered on his face.

Behind him, a few of his friends lingered, waiting. Maya sighed. What do you want? Bryce took a slow step forward.

You got an attitude problem, you know that? Maya didn’t respond. Bryce’s smirk widened. What? You think you’re better than me? Maya let out a short laugh.

Not nervous, not scared, just amused. And that, more than anything, caught Bryce off guard. I think, she said slowly, that you should walk away.

Bryce’s grin faltered for half a second before he recovered. Oh yeah? He took another step closer. Towering over her.

And why’s that? Maya leaned in slightly, voice barely above a whisper. Because you have no idea who I am. Bryce chuckled, shaking his head.

And who are you exactly? Maya didn’t answer. Instead, she took a step back, lifted her phone, and pressed a single button on her screen. A loud roaring engine filled the air.

A Black Dodge Charger Hellcat pulled up next to the curb, the kind of car that made heads turn. The tinted window rolled down slowly. And there he was, Vin Diesel.

Bryce’s smirk vanished. Maya turned back to Bryce, smiling for the first time that day. Still think I’m weird? She asked.

Bryce didn’t answer, because for the first time in his life, he was the one feeling small. Maya watched as Bryce’s confident smirk disappeared. His jaw clenched, his eyes flickering between her and the unmistakable figure sitting in the driver’s seat of the Dodge Charger.

The air felt thick, the once playful arrogance in his stance now stiffened with unease. He took a half step back, his friends behind him exchanging nervous glances, none of them daring to speak. Maya, on the other hand, took her time.

She adjusted her backpack strap, exhaling slowly as if she hadn’t just turned the tables on the school’s self-proclaimed king. Vin Diesel didn’t say anything at first. He just sat there, one hand on the steering wheel, his gaze fixed on Bryce.

It was a look that carried weight, the kind of presence that didn’t need words to send a message. Bryce swallowed hard. Wait a second, he muttered under his breath, almost like he was convincing himself this wasn’t real.

His voice, usually so cocky, had a sudden edge of uncertainty. He looked at Maya again, this time really looking like he was trying to piece something together that should have been obvious from the start. Maya leaned slightly, just enough for Bryce to hear her, though she made sure to keep her voice steady and low.

Still think I’m just some random girl? She asked. Bryce’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed again, his mouth opening and closing like he wanted to say something but had lost all ability to form words. Then Vin spoke…