Late response to this but considering the hate you had received I thought I’d do what I can to add something to this.

1. Don’t let bullies get you down, people act on reason whether that be because they just felt like it ( unlikely ) or because they have something to prove either in the face of others or to themselves, for that reason never assume the least about these people and why they do what they do.

2. When dealing with conflict knowing these people and those of which they surround themselves with helps both from a tactical and statistical standpoint. If they have a large following of lackeys ( friends that follow them ) then planned retaliation may not be wise, dealing with the situation in the moment is the best course or action.

3. Understand what puts you in these situations and what gets you out of them.

I would recommend just retaliating right then and there and it avoids any future issues, it certifies you holding your ground as well as getting revenge. These people can only hurt you a bit, they aren’t criminals they’re kids and so are you. If you want a good idea for what to do physically I would say a good palm strike to the nose should hurt them and scare them off, make sure to push them immediately after to throw them off too.

Punches can work but it’s unlikely you or them can throw a good one without injury or hurting yourselves.