Turning the Tide novel Chapter 9

Back then, Oskar was too arrogant that he messed with off-campus gangsters, which landed him cornered by five of them in an alley, and he received a sound beating. But that wasn't the worst of it. He was humiliated by being forced to masturbate in front of them, a lesson he was sure not to forget.

Though the gangsters later faced consequences for their actions, this incident became a lasting source of shame for Oskar. Many knew about it, but no one dared to mention it in his presence.

What I said in front of everyone was undoubtedly like reopening old wounds and rubbing salt in them. Oskar's complexion shifted from pale to crimson, and his frustration was palpable.

Some of the female classmates who knew the backstory struggled to contain their laughter, not daring to let it out.

"Hey, David! How could you say that? Oskar was just joking! Why take it so seriously?" Finn Davis, a short man, shouted, defending Oskar.

I recognized Finn as one of Oskar's loyal followers, a sidekick who had always played along with Oskar's bullying since high school.

As I followed, Oskar leaned closer and whispered, "You've got guts. By the way, Grace is coming today."

At the mention of Grace Dixon, her delicate face flashed through my mind. She was the quintessential schoolgirl and the unattainable crush of my youth.