conversations (part 2)

Flashback:

In the 7th grade, I found myself seated among my fellow classmates, with the teacher standing before us, leading the class.

Teacher: So, who among you believes they can solve the next question?

I remained silent, choosing not to respond. However, a sudden interruption shattered the silence.

Eve: Yes, teacher!

Eve's voice resonated loudly, brimming with confidence and certainty in her ability to tackle the upcoming problem.

Teacher: Very well then, proceed quickly!

The teacher posed the question: "What is 17 multiplied by 59?"

Eve hesitated for a moment, searching for the answer, before finally uttering:

Eve: Umm... umm... It's...

Before Eve could provide her response, I swiftly interjected.

Me: It's 1003.

As soon as I provided the correct answer, a wave of astonishment rippled through the classroom, encompassing both my classmates and the teacher.

Teacher: Whoa, that was remarkably quick! Excellent work, Liran!

Eve, however, looked at me with a mix of jealousy and anger in her eyes.

Undeterred, the teacher pressed on.

Teacher: Very well then, let's continue. Quick, what is 12 multiplied by 321?

Eve eagerly raised her hand, determined to redeem herself.

Eve: Teacher! It's... um!

Before Eve could complete her response, I interjected once again.

Me: It's 3852.

Another wave of astonishment washed over the class. The teacher, in disbelief, reached for a calculator to verify the answer. As the truth sank in, his jaw dropped.

Teacher: Liran, I was merely joking with those questions, but you've proven yourself right once again.

At that moment, the entire class erupted in applause. I felt a sense of satisfaction, but Eve was seething with fury.

As I glanced at Eve, I couldn't help but notice a fiery intensity in her eyes. It was as if she harbored a deep desire to harm me.

A few minutes later, during breakfast, I sat with some friends at a nearby table, enjoying our meal together. One of my friends, John, who happened to be the son of a god named "John," spoke up.

John: Liran... you completely outwitted Eve! You completely took her down!

I chuckled in response, feeling indifferent about the notion of being the smartest.

Me: Heh... I know. Although I don't really care about being the smartest, it was somewhat entertaining, I suppose.

John couldn't contain his amusement and let out a giggle.

John: Yeah... If Eve catches sight of you, you better watch out. She seems ready to pounce.

John was a fascinating friend I had met in middle school. He possessed a cosmic aura, towering in height and adorned with cosmic-like skin. Instead of legs, he had tentacles, which added to his otherworldly appearance. He truly looked out of this world, quite literally.

John then extended one of his tentacles and gently placed it on my shoulder, giving me a reassuring pat.

John: I'll offer my prayers for your safety... I don't want anything bad to happen to you, hehe.

I chuckled in response.

Me: Oh my... Haha, don't worry about it, John.

Suddenly, John retracted his tentacle from my shoulder and his gaze shifted behind me.

John: Liran, you might want to turn around.

Perplexed, I followed his suggestion and turned around, only to find Eve standing there, clearly displeased.

Eve: Well, well... Look who we have here. Isn't that right, my friends?

Eve glanced back at her group, and they erupted into laughter.

One aspect I had noticed about Eve was that she frequently sought validation from her friends. It seemed as though she constantly sought their approval. I wasn't entirely sure why she craved such attention, but perhaps it stemmed from her desire for popularity, much like any other "popular girl."

Eve then shifted her gaze back to me.

Eve: So... you think you can just pull something like this on me, a dog like you?

Me: Come on, Eve... It's not that serious.

As I attempted to take a bite of my sandwich, Eve snatched it from my hand and threw it to the ground, leaving everyone around us shocked.

Eve: Really? You want to say that again? Dog?

I rose from my seat, locking eyes with Eve.

Me: Eve, I have a question for you.

Eve: What is it, dog? Do you seek approval so you can pick up your sandwich? Hm?

Eve giggled, clearly amused by her own actions.

Me: Look, if you, a human female, label me, a human male, as a dog, then what does that make you?

Eve: Hm? What are you talking about?

Me: Logically speaking, if I'm a dog, then you are a bitch.

As soon as those words left my mouth, a wave of shock rippled through the onlookers. Some kids gasped at the audacity of my words.

Eve: What was that? What did you just call me?

Me: I've already said it. There's no need for you to act like a bitch, because you're already one... bitch!

Eve's anger intensified upon hearing my response.

Eve: How dare you! You fucking piece of shi-

Eve attempted to slap me, but I swiftly intercepted her attack, grabbing her hand firmly.

Eve: What the?!

In that moment, I raised my hand and delivered a slap back to Eve, causing her to stumble and fall to the ground.

The gasps from the surrounding crowd grew louder as they witnessed the exchange.

After a few seconds, Eve gathered herself and stood up, tears streaming down her face.

Eve: Don't you ever do this to me again! You stupid kid!... Remember me!

With those words, Eve walked away, leaving behind a mix of emotions and a tense atmosphere.

I understand that resorting to physical violence is not an ideal solution, and I acknowledge that hitting a girl is not something to be proud of. However, in the context of the situation you described, where Eve had been consistently mistreating you and your friends by cursing at you and spreading rumors, it's understandable that you reached a breaking point and felt the need to take action.

While engaging in a conversation with Eve might have been a more constructive approach, it's also possible that it wouldn't have brought about the desired change in her behavior. Sometimes, standing up for yourself and setting boundaries is necessary when faced with ongoing abuse or mistreatment.

It's important to reflect on the situation and learn from it. Violence should always be a last resort, and seeking peaceful resolutions through communication and understanding is generally the better approach.

END OF FLASHBACK

Me: So, it's been quite some time since everything that happened.

Eve: Of course, it's been a while. I still remember that moment. And who is that little brat with you?

Brock directed his gaze upward, meeting Eve's eyes with a determined look, and he spoke up....

Brock: Brat? Shut up, Eve! Just because you're older than me doesn't give you the right to act so rude!

I looked at Brock, surprised by his response.

Me: Brock, do you know Eve?

Brock: Of course I do! She's been acting like the leader of her gang, picking on me and my friends. She's so rude!

I turned my attention back to Eve, looking up at her face as I met her gaze

Me: So, you're picking on little kids now, huh?

Eve smirked confidently.

Eve: Well, I run these streets, and your little Brock thinks he can just walk around and do whatever he wants!

Eve glanced at her friends, seeking their validation, and they laughed along. she cast her gaze downwards on me as she looked back.

Me: You still haven't changed, even after being knocked down in front of everyone.

Eve: Heh... Yeah, yeah, whatever you say... dog.

Me: You know what? Let's talk to each other personally, like adults. Let's put an end to this unnecessary drama and beef once and for all. What do you think?

Eve: Hm... Sure, why not? Let's go.

Eve and I walked away, finding an alley nearby where we could be alone, away from Brock and her friends.

Now, it was just the two of us, with no one to interfere.

Me: So, Eve... It's been about six years since we first met, and you're still acting like this... Why?

Eve: You see, I never forgot that day. I was so ashamed and embarrassed of myself. I just didn't want to be laughed at anymore.

I looked up at Eve's face intensely, not breaking eye contact.

Me: Look at me...

Eve reluctantly met my gaze, looking down on me with a nervous demeanor, unable to look away and seek comfort in her friends. I was challenging her to confront her own insecurities.

Me: So, you were laughed at and felt ashamed... But so what? It happens to everyone! You're not the only one.

Eve struggled to look away, tears streaming down her face.

Eve: I... I...

Me: No, no, no... Forget about your friends for a moment. What matters right now is you. Is this how you want to spend your life, constantly seeking approval and attention? Answer me!

Eve couldn't find the words, overwhelmed by her emotions.

EVE LOST THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BATTLE

Eve: I don't know... I don't know what to do... I feel so horrible...

Me: It's okay, Eve. Just focus on working on yourself and doing what you truly want in life. You'll start feeling better. I believe in you.

After saying that, Eve ran toward her friends, crying.

Brock approached me, amazed by what had just happened.

Brock: Whoa! You completely broke Eve! How did you do that?

Me: Well, we had a personal conversation, and I offered her some encouraging words. It seems like it struck a chord with her.

Brock: You truly are a genius. Let's go.

Me: Of course.

We walked away from the alley, continuing on with our day, traversing the streets together.

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