Pushover | Aether x Reader

Twenty-Nine

"(L/n), I am not all too fond of seeing you back at my office this soon." Principal Varka sighed as he leaned back in his chair, regarding the girl standing before him.

(Y/n) (L/n), expression as stoic as ever, stood with her arms crossed, a flicker of defiance in her eyes.

He continued. "The previous incident has already been resolved. What brings you here today?"

Y/N took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I'm here to talk about the bullying," she said, her voice steady but filled with a quiet determination. "It's out of control, and nothing's being done to stop it."

"I understand that bullying is a serious issue, (L/n), and we do our best to address it. But change doesn't happen overnight—"

"— and it won't happen at all if no one speaks up. I've seen too many students suffer in silence."

Principal Varka sighed again, leaning forward. "I admire your courage, (L/n), but this isn't the way to bring about change."

"Then what is?" she challenged, her eyes locked onto his. "Because ignoring it clearly hasn't worked."

Principal Varka sighed, clearly tired of the conversation already. "(L/n), we are doing everything we can. However, these things take time and there are procedures in place."

"Procedures that don't work. Students are getting hurt. You can't just ignore that."

Varka shook his head, patience thinning. "This isn't something you can fix by barging into my office and demanding change. Now, I suggest you get back to class."

(Y/n) opened her mouth to argue further, when the door to the office creaked open, revealing Aether. He stepped inside with an unusually calm demeanor.

"Excuse me, Principal Varka," Aether said politely.

"Aether?" (Y/n) looked at him, wide-eyed. "I thought you wanted to wait for me outside—"

"—Yes, but it's okay, (Y/n). I can do this much."

(Y/n) looked taken aback by his sudden determination, but stood down in silent pride of his development.

Principal Varka raised an eyebrow, surprised by the interruption. "Aether, you know how improper it is to eavesdrop on private conversations. This is none of your concern."

"I'm sorry but, it is everyone's concern. Bullying affects us all, and if we continue to ignore it, it will only get worse." Aether replied, his tone respectful but firm. "(Y/n) is right. We need to take more immediate and effective action."

(Y/n) watched him, her heart swelling with a mixture of surprise and admiration. Aether had always been the quiet one, preferring to stay in the background. Yet here he was, speaking with a confidence she had rarely seen. His calm, composed demeanor seemed to command the principal's attention in a way that her defiant stance had not.

As Aether continued to explain their ideas, (Y/n) couldn't help but feel a subconscious sense of pride. His sudden change of demeanor was unexpected but incredibly welcome. She found herself looking at him with newfound respect.

"And by involving those who have experienced bullying firsthand," Aether said, "we can create an environment where students feel safe and heard. We need to show them that their voices matter and that we are committed to making a real difference."

Principal Varka, who had initially seemed dismissive, now appeared to be genuinely considering Aether's suggestions. "That...sounds reasonable," he admitted, albeit reluctantly. "But it's going to take a lot of effort from everyone involved."

"We're prepared for that," Aether assured the principal. "We just need your support to get started."

Principal Varka leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting between the two students. "Alright," he said finally. "We'll set up a meeting with the school board and see how we can implement these ideas. But understand, this is just the beginning. Are you both ready for the long road ahead?"