Confrontation with Mark

The class was dismissed, and Glenn moved quickly. He picked up his gym bag from the locker, clutching it tight to his chest. The violet bikini bottom still clung to him, and all he wanted was to change back into his clothes and disappear.

He slipped into the changing room, trying to avoid eye contact, but before he could reach a cubicle—

“Hey, Glenn!”

He turned. It was Mark—school jock, swim team captain, and all-around problem in gym class—flanked by two of his usual shadows.

“I didn’t know you were that fast,” Mark said, folding his arms. “You should try out for water polo. We could use someone like you.”

Glenn stiffened. The tone was too friendly. Too fake. He didn’t buy it.

“No thanks,” Glenn said, trying to keep it neutral.

Mark’s smirk thinned. “What, you too good for us now?” He stepped closer. “Or are you just afraid you’ll get water in your little bikini?”

The two other boys chuckled. Glenn clenched his jaw and turned away, heading for the nearest cubicle.

But before he could reach the door, Mark snatched his bag from under his arm.

“Hey—!” Glenn lunged, but too late.

Mark dumped the contents of the gym bag onto the bench with a dramatic flourish.

Clothes spilled out—towel, shoes, the folded uniform—and from beneath them, the matching violet bikini top.

Mark’s eyes lit up.

“Well, well, look what Glenn packed for class today!” he shouted loud enough for the entire room to hear. “Glenn brought a bra!”

Heads turned. The changing room filled with laughter and murmurs.

Glenn felt the heat rise into his face like a furnace. He lunged forward, grabbing for the top and shoving it back into the bag as fast as he could. He didn’t say a word. Didn’t look up.

Mark kept laughing. “What’s next, Glenn? You gonna borrow a skirt for P.E. too?”

Glenn backed toward the cubicle, bag in hand, heart pounding. His throat felt tight, his ears ringing. The door clicked shut behind him.

Inside, he stood still for a second—barefoot on cold tile, fists clenched around the bag. He wanted to sink into the floor.