23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hVTm6O7Hk
Jay stood in front of the entire faculty board, his voice calm but laced with fury.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAePJ5OBE9
“She’s not the monster you think she is,” he said.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS2auUShLt
“The girl you all branded as unstable, arrogant, violent—Villanueva Ruthie—was the only one who stood up when everyone else stayed silent.”
Tahimik ang silid. Walang gustong umimik.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMumZr6dmJJ
One of the senior teachers cleared her throat, “Mr. Armada, this is highly inappropriate—”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdAPActClO
“No, what's inappropriate is how you all turned a blind eye,” he interrupted, voice rising just enough. “You knew about the complaints. About the harassment. About the lies. But you let it happen. You let her become your scapegoat.”
Someone slammed a folder shut. “This could cost you your position.”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qR6dl2R8P
Jay looked them straight in the eye. “Then so be it.”
Hours later, sa labas ng gate ng school, he found Ruthie sitting on the steps, her eyes blank, face untouched by tears.
“You’re an idiot,” she murmured when she saw him.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOGL0ZEuKn
Jay smiled faintly. “First time mo akong tawaging ganyan.”
“Sayang ka. Hindi mo na dapat sinira pangalan mo para sa akin.”
Jay crouched beside her. “You’re wrong, Villanueva Ruthie. You were never a villain. Just the only one brave enough to be honest.”
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