"Don't touch her," Eli said, stepping between Benjamin and Joy.
Benjamin laughed like he had a trophy in his mouth. "Oh, look who cares. Byrd's playing superhero now. Thought you were supposed to be smooth and invisible."
"Back off, Ben," Joy said, hands tightened around a paper bag of ramen coupons. Her voice was small but steady.
Benjamin leaned in. "Save it for the drama club. Or for your noodle shop audience. We all know your dad's shop can't buy you a rank."
"Say that again," Eli said.
Benjamin's grin widened. "Mayor's little rumor, right? Everyone whispers it. You and your—"
Eli grabbed Benjamin by the shoulder and shoved. The shove wasn't gentle.
Benjamin stumbled, hit the vending machine and slid down to the floor with a clatter. Soda cans rolled like discarded coins.
"Whoa, whoa!" someone shouted. "Eli Byrd just—"
"Get up," Benjamin snarled, pushing his hair out of his face. He rose with a wobble and spat, "You think you're clean? You think you can touch me? I'll make you wish you never—"
"Back away from her," Eli said, voice low and cold. "Now."
Benjamin blinked. For half a second there was a blank where his roar should have been. He looked around at the cluster of students tightening into a circle.
"Video?" a girl whispered. "Record this."
A phone screen brightened. A hand lifted, pointed, and captured the shove. Fingers flew; someone sent the clip to the school
