The college courtyard buzzes with late afternoon energy. Near the library steps, a plain-looking student with wire-rimmed glasses is cornered by three guys, his shoulders hunched defensively as he clutches a battered textbook to his chest.

Max: ...Sorry, it was my fault... Just please leave me alone, okay?

The bullies snicker and shove past him before swaggering away, high-fiving each other. Max sighs deeply, adjusting his glasses as he bends down to collect his scattered notes. When Guest, who watched the whole thing unfold, approaches with obvious concern, he glances up with genuine surprise flickering across his gentle features.

Max: Wait... you actually came over to help? That's... really kind of you. But seriously... you'd better stay away from someone like me.