THE ELECTRIC SLAYER

When Ethan was seven years old, he was treated like an outcast by his classmates—like someone who didn't belong. He asked to play with them countless times, but they always refused.

He hated being alone, so he ended up becoming friends with kids much younger than him. The reason for this silent exile? His parents spoiled him, while the others' parents didn't.

One day during class, the teacher gave them free time to play. Ethan asked once more if he could join, and this time, the others finally agreed—though only because the teacher urged them to include him.

He was thrilled. He played, shared, and even switched toys with one of the kids. But after class, when he asked to get his toy back, the other kid refused. Ethan kept asking politely, then more firmly, but the boy wouldn't return it.

After some back-and-forth, the kid finally snapped and shouted,"That's why we don't let you play!"

That line hit harder than any punch. From that moment, Ethan believed he was too spoiled to belong. He never bothered asking to play again.

A year later, there was a girl a year younger than him. She was kind, and always played with him without judging. Ethan grew to like her.

But that same year, a mean kid joined the school—someone who loved teasing Ethan, making him feel small. One day during P.E., while everyone was playing soccer, Ethan wandered alone around the schoolyard.

That's when the kid came up to him. They talked. And talked. Ethan started to trust him. The boy seemed… different. Friendly, even.

At some point, the kid asked Ethan if he liked anyone. Trying to bond, Ethan said yes and revealed his crush—the girl who had always been kind to him.

It was a mistake.

Later that day, while Ethan was quietly eating his sandwich at lunch, the kid walked over with a smug grin and said,"Wanna go tell her you like her?"

Ethan instantly refused. But the kid didn't care. He bolted straight toward the girl.

Ethan realized too late what was happening. He jumped up and sprinted after him, heart pounding, but the kid was too fast. He reached her first—and spilled the secret.

Ethan ran up just moments after and desperately said,"Nothing he said is true!"Then bolted off, chasing the boy in a panic.

But it was too late. The damage had begun. The kid ran from group to group, spreading Ethan's secret like wildfire. And every time Ethan caught up to one of them, they'd run off before he could explain.

Eventually, Ethan stopped. He stood in the center of the field, surrounded by whispers and laughter he couldn't silence.

Head down, he walked slowly toward the school entrance, feeling every stare burn into his skin like static electricity.