As Beauty stepped out of the party and into the cool night air, hot tears streamed down her cheeks. She hurried towards the hotel to get a room, the laughter of her former classmates still ringing in her ears, and the video of her and Stephen replaying in her head.
"Beauty, wait!" Bruno called, his voice filled with concern.
Finally, Bruno caught up to Beauty just as she was about to enter the hotel. He stepped in front of her, blocking her path, his chest heaving from the sprint.
"Please, just listen to me for a second," Bruno said, his eyes pleading. Beauty shook her head, tears already brimming, her lips trembling as she struggled to hold back her sobs.
"I can't, Bruno," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I need to be alone. I just- I can't take it anymore."
"Let's go together. Let me be here for you," Bruno said, his voice as soft as he could manage.
Beauty's expression suddenly turned hard. She didn't look at him.
"Bruno, just stop," she snapped. "You don't get it. You can't understand what this feels like."
Bruno flinched at her tone but didn't back down. He reached out, his hand hovering near her arm, unsure if she'd let him touch her, so he put his hand down.
"I understand more than you think," he said softly, his voice steady despite the hurt in his chest. "I know they hurt you. No one enjoys seeing someone they care about in pain. I can't stand it if you're hurting. I do understand."
Beauty scoffed, finally meeting his gaze. Her eyes were red, filled with pain and anger.
"You have no idea, Bruno. You don't know what it's like to be humiliated like that-to have your worst memories thrown in your face while everyone laughs. You've never been judged for the way you look. This is not the time to flirt and play your role," she said, her voice cracking with frustration.
"Play my role?" Bruno muttered sadly.
He took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers, filled with nothing but care and love.
"Do you think I kissed you for a role?"
His voice had a ting of pain.
Beauty shook her head, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to hold back her tears and clenched her fists.
"I don't care why you did it anymore. Maybe it still tastes like fart. I don't need you to be here for me," she snapped. "I don't need anyone. I just need to get away from all of this. I shouldn't have listened to Jessie."
Bruno felt a sharp sting from her words and his face blanked.
For a moment, Beauty noticed his mood, her tough exterior cracking as she looked at him.
"I just need time, Bruno," she whispered, her voice hoarse with exhaustion. "I need to be alone, please."
Bruno felt a lump in his throat. He wanted to argue, to convince her to talk to him, thinking it might make her feel better, but he knew pushing her would only make things worse. With a heavy heart, he took a step back and nodded.
He pulled his wallet from his pocket and handed her his credit card.
"4560, I will send it in a text incase" he said, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "Get yourself a room, whatever you need. But just know... I'm here when you're ready. I'll always be here."
Beauty glanced at the card, refusing it will make him feel worse. She then took it, her fingers brushing against his for just a moment. "Thanks for everything, Bruno," she muttered, not meeting his eyes.
"Just know I'm here if you need me," he whispered, feeling utterly helpless.
Beauty simply nodded and walked towards the hotel entrance.
Bruno stood in the same spot, staring after her until she disappeared from sight. He took his phone and sent the pin.
Just heard someone running towards him.
"Bruno, don't let her be alone. We have to be with her this time."
It was Nia, Beauty's new friend and former classmate.
Bruno turned blankly and saw her worried face.
"She's okay. Thanks for worrying about her," he replied, trying to hide his own anger.
"But she's not okay, Bruno," Nia insisted.
"I think she needs some time to herself, Nia. Please, let her be," Bruno replied with a forced smile.
Nia slowly went back to the party.
Bruno stood there, frustrated, with worry and anger boiling inside of him.
"I can't believe you lowered your standards for that girl. How does it feel dating her grown version? Heavier?" Stephen laughed as he appeared behind Bruno.
Bruno clenched his fists at the familiar voice and turned to face him, his expression tight with a frown.
"You think this is funny? What you did to Beauty up there... that was low."
"That was fun. That's how we play over here as classmates. What are you going to do? You maybe tall and all but your skin is as soft as a baby's. Don't let me leave a scar."
"You're all a bunch of immature bullies."
Bruno replied ignoring his insult on his appearance.
"You're just a guest. You have no say in this. I know you want to be her hero in shining armor, but she should be used to this by now. She needs to toughen up a little. Besides, who cares about Fatty's feelings..."
Before he could finish, Bruno's fist connected with his jaw, sending a shockwave of pain through Stephen's face.
He stumbled back and fell, clutching his mouth, where he could feel a warm trickle of blood.
Some of the security guards hanging around flinched at the sight. They rushed in to separate the two, grabbing Bruno. Three of them held Bruno's arms, while another helped Stephen to his feet.
"Hey! Chill out, man!" one of them exclaimed, trying to pull Bruno away before things escalated further.
Bruno wrestled free from their grip, his fake nose shifting slightly on his face, causing him to panic.
"Get your hands off me!" he snapped, frustration boiling over.
He pointed to Stephen, who looked shocked at the blood stained palm he used to wipe his mouth.
"Next time you say a single bad word about her, I will do more than causing your mouth bleed!"
The party was distracted as those hanging outside went to tell their friends about Stephen getting punched.
Beyoncé came out of the party, looking shocked and many others gathered too.
Bruno stormed towards the hotel, his heart racing, adrenaline pumping.
As he walked away, Stephen straightened himself, rubbing his jaw where Bruno had hit him. He could taste blood in his mouth. The realization of being beaten up by someone he had deemed weaker only fueled his anger.
"What the hell happened, man?" one of the security guards asked him.
Stephen clenched his fist, the fresh scar on his face bleeding.
"That fool just assaulted me!" he shouted. "He will pay for this. I'm going to make sure he regrets ever laying a finger on me. I'll get him locked up for ages!"
A few onlookers whispered to themselves, commenting on how strong Bruno was despite his gentlemanly looks and pretty features, while calling Stephen a princess for threatening to call the police.
Beyoncé overheard this, and it made her furious. That wasn't the plan!
Stephen found her, looking like she could explode any minute.