I rushed across campus to Blake’s dorm, heart pounding with worry. The evening air felt heavier than usual, carrying the weight of the day’s confrontations. When I reached his door, I knocked hard, my voice urgent. “Blake? Are you in there? Blake, are you okay?”Silence stretched for a tense moment before the door finally swung open. Blake stood there, looking pale and disheveled. Relief flooded me for a split second—until I saw his face. A nasty bruise bloomed across his cheek, and his lip was split.“Man, you got me worried sick,” I said, stepping inside. “You didn’t come to class, and you weren’t picking up my calls.” I reached out instinctively, gently touching the bruised area. “Are you hurt? Did you get into a fight?”Before he could answer, a taller guy emerged from behind him, his expression cold and hostile. “And who the hell are you?” he demanded.I blinked, confused. Was this his brother? A relative? “I’m his friend,” I replied steadily.The guy scoffed. “Then back off.”Bl
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