Latula's head tossed up as the final bell of the day rang. She breathed a sigh of relief and lifted from her chair, haphazardly shoving her books into her bag and slinging it over onto her back. A hand lightly touched her shoulder, making Latula jump and whirl around aggressively. Her attacker gave a little whimper and flinched at her balled fists. Latula relaxed.
"Hi, Mituna," she greeted the troll in front of her. "Do you need me to walk you home today?" Mituna seemed momentarily puzzled by the question, but quickly gained understanding. He nodded with a smile, nearly cloaked by the black hair that covered the rest of his face. Latula gave a little giggle and extended her elbow out towards him. Mituna fitted his yellow helmet onto his head and latched on to Latula's arm instinctively. He swung his arm back and forth with a chuckle. Latula smiled warmly and led him down the hall. Wincing, Latula noticed the glances of the trolls around her and Mituna. She tried to distract herself with a little bit of conversation with the other troll, which was difficult and distracting enough in itself.
"Are you ready for that test tomorrow?" she asked, nearly wincing at her inability to start a conversation. Mituna simply nodded, keeping his head focused ahead. Latula wasn't even sure he heard her question. She bit the inside of her cheek, inadvertently giving the trolls in the hallway her attention once more. Their glares seemed to burn holes in her clothes, their whispers driving needles into her.
"Why does she like him?"
"That helmet makes him look more retarded than he already is."
"She's way too good for him."
Latula stole a glance at Mituna as quickly as she could manage. Thankfully, Mituna seemed completely oblivious to the trolls around him. That is, until someone decided to protrude their sneakered foot out in front of one of Mituna's. He fell to the ground with a thud, his weight falling hard on his hands and knees.
"Mituna!" Latula cried, falling beside him worriedly. "Are you alright?" Some other kind-hearted trolls had gathered around Mituna to help him up, but Mituna ignored them. Latula's heart caught in her throat as she saw yellowish tears fall from Mituna's face. She tried to hook her elbow in his, but he pushed away, getting up with a grunt and running out of the hallway and the school.
If anybody was laughing before, they sure weren't laughing now. Latula jumped up and ran after him. She was a lot faster than he was, and caught up to him quickly. She grabbed him and spun him around as the inertia from their contact slowed. Latula held him tightly, resting her forehead on his shoulder. He seemed surprised for a moment, but soon rested his own head on her shoulder. Latula felt Mituna's form rack with sobs. She held him tighter, wanting to protect him from the world and all who occupied it.
"I can't believe how terrible they treat you," Latula murmured, twisting her fingers through Mituna's dark hair. Mituna's body shook and he nodded his head.
"I can't help that I'm broken," he choked back. Latula grabbed Mituna by the shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes.
"You're not broken!" she exclaimed. "You're one of the most radical guys I know." She pulled him back against her chest, wrapping her arms tenderly around him. She felt the radiation of Mituna's smile without even looking at him. Mituna began to pull away, unsure of how to end the encounter, but Latula grabbed his hand and entwined her fingers in his. She pecked his cheek gently and jutted her chin forward.
"You wanted me to walk you home, remember?"