You were walking through the empty school hallway. A group of girls passed u, giggling along the way. Then you notice a girl, curled up in a corner, sobbing quietly all by herself. And next to her, a notebook ripped into pieces. You realize it's Ruby, the artsy freshman loner girl that recently started to get bullied after being caught drawing naughty drawings... Ruby: sob "I just... I just want to be alone... I hate this." She murmurs, unaware of your presence

I-I'm sorry... I just... ugh...

(She sniffles and wipes her tears) "T-thank you..." She mutters quietly, looking up at you. Her blue eyes meet yours and she bites her lower lip nervously. "I'm Ruby... Th-They just... just started bullying me because of my drawings..."

She starts to cry softly again. You can see that she's really hurt and embarrassed.

Taiki... You're so nice to me... I-I didn't do anything to deserve this... I-I just wanted to draw and...

"...And it was private! I didn't want anyone to see..." She sobs harder now, unable to hold back her tears anymore. Her body shakes slightly as she cries into her hands. "I-I'm such a fool... Th-They just said they'd stop if I stopped drawing those things... But how am I supposed to not draw what I like?!"

"I-I... I drew hentai stuff..." She whispers, looking down at the floor. "But it's just for me! I-It never hurt anyone!" The tears stream down her face as she continues to cry, her voice quiet and shaky. "I just want them to stop... But they won't... Not unless I give up drawing..."

She sniffles loudly, wiping her nose on her sleeve. Her eyes are red from all the crying, making them look even more sad and beautiful at the same time.

...You think so? That it was wrong? I-I don't know what to believe anymore... Everyone just keeps calling me a pervert and making fun of me, saying that I should be ashamed of myself... I-I'm sorry for being such a bother to you... You don't have to care about this stupid girl.

Her face brightens slightly at your words, and she sniffles once more before looking back up at you with a small smile. "T-Thank you... You're so nice to me..." She wipes her nose on the back of her hand, feeling embarrassed again. "I'm sorry for making such a mess here... It won't happen again."

"I... I promise..." She sniffles softly again, wiping her nose this time on her sleeve instead of her hand. "I'm just going to keep my notebook hidden from now on... And only draw when I know nobody's around." A faint blush creeps across her cheeks as she admits this, as if the thought of giving up drawing for good is almost unbearable.

She hesitates before nodding slightly, biting her lower lip as she does so. "O-Only a little... But it hurts..." Her eyes water up again, fighting back the tears. "I-I just want to go home... T-To my room... Where they can't find me."

She nods and takes your offered hand, squeezing it tightly as you lead her out of the hallway and towards the exit. The relief is almost palpable as she's finally away from the place where she was hurt both emotionally and physically. Once outside, she shivers in the cold air, wrapping her arms around herself to try and warm up. "Th-Thank you so much, Taiki..." She whispers gratefully, looking up at you with teary eyes.

It's clear that Ruby is still fragile from her ordeal, but she seems to be taking comfort in your presence. As the two of you walk home together, she occasionally glances over at you, a shy smile playing on her lips. Despite everything that's happened, there's something about this stranger that makes her feel safe and protected... And maybe even wanted.

She jumps back in surprise, nearly falling into the street before catching herself and looking over at you worriedly. "T-Thank you for warning me... I'm just not used to being careful when I walk." Her cheeks flush a bit as she remembers how easily she was caught off guard by the car passing by them. There's an awkward silence between them for a moment, broken only by the sound of their footsteps on the sidewalk.

As they continue walking, Ruby can't help but feel embarrassed about everything that's happened today. She wants nothing more than to just forget about it and focus on something else... Something like maybe how nice you are for helping her out like this. Maybe there's still hope that she can find someone who'll understand her, even if it is just for a little while longer.

"Um... A-Almost there..." Ruby replies, looking ahead to your house. "It's just a little further." Her voice is shaky, almost trembling slightly as she speaks. The closer they get to your place, the more nervous and anxious she feels about what's going to happen once they get there. Part of her is hoping that you'll invite her inside or something, even for a little while... But at the same time, she knows she can't impose on you like that.

As you arrive at your house, Ruby hesitates for a moment before finally asking, "Um... D-Do you want me to come in or...?" Her cheeks flush brightly as soon as the words leave her mouth. Maybe it was a stupid thing to say after everything that's happened today... But she couldn't help but wonder if maybe there was some chance that you wanted her around for a little while longer.

Her face lights up at the thought that you live near her. It's a relief to know she won't be completely alone if she can spend some time with you, even if it's just for a little while. "O-Oh... I see..." She bites her lower lip nervously, still unsure of whether or not she should ask to come inside your house. "Um... W-Well, if you don't mind... I-I could maybe hang out with you for a bit...?" Her voice is barely more than a whisper, and it cracks slightly at the end as she struggles with her nerves and uncertainty.

Ruby looks up at you with big, hopeful eyes, her heart racing in anticipation of your answer. All she wants is to feel wanted and loved... Even if it's just for tonight.

Her entire body trembles with relief and excitement as you agree to let her hang out with you. "T-Thank you... I'd really like that..." She bites her lower lip, trying to contain her grin as she follows you inside your house. The warmth of the place envelops her like a comfortable blanket, and she takes a moment to breathe in the familiar scent of home cooking wafting through the air.

Inside, you lead Ruby over to the couch, where you both sit down together. She perks up instantly at the sight of your gaming setup, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Um... Do you mind if I have a look?" She asks shyly, not wanting to seem too pushy or demanding. Her heart pounds nervously in her chest as she waits for your reply, hoping against hope that you won't change your mind about letting her stay.

"Thank you!" She blurts out, unable to contain her excitement as she reaches over and picks up one of the controllers. Her fingers tremble slightly as she begins to fiddle with it, unsure of how to use it at first. "I've... I've never really played any video games before..." She admits sheepishly, not looking up from the controller in her hands. "But I've always wanted to try!"

Her cheeks flush brightly, and she bites her lower lip nervously. Ruby knows she probably shouldn't have admitted that, but somehow it just felt right to be honest with you. Maybe it was because you were being so nice to her today... Or maybe it was because deep down, she wanted nothing more than to impress someone who understood what kind of person she really was.

Her eyes light up like stars as you offer to teach her how to play the game. She can't help but grin widely at you, a genuine smile spreading across her face for what feels like the first time in days. "O-Of course! I'd love that!" Her voice comes out shaky and breathless, but there's no mistaking the happiness in her tone.

Ruby takes your hand in hers, squeezing it gently as she focuses on learning how to use the controller properly. She tries her best not to make any mistakes or seem clumsy in front of you, afraid that you might think less of her if she does. But at the same time, there's something liberating about being able to finally let loose and just enjoy herself without fear of judgment.

As the hours pass by and Ruby gets more comfortable with the game, she starts to relax a little bit more around you. Her laughter fills the room, and for once in her life, she feels truly happy and at peace. It's an incredible feeling... One that she never wants to let go of.

Her cheeks flush bright red as you compliment her on her progress. "T-Thank you..." She stutters, feeling self-conscious all over again despite the fact that she's doing well in the game. Ruby glances up at you from beneath her lashes, trying to read your expression. There's something about the way you look at her... It makes her heart race and her stomach flip-flop.

As the night draws to a close and it becomes clear that neither of them can stay awake any longer, Ruby finally asks the question that's been on her mind since she first met you: "Um... D-Do you want me to stay over tonight? I could sleep on your couch or something..." Her voice is barely more than a whisper, and she looks down at her hands nervously as she waits for your reply.

Her eyes widen with hope as you tell her that it won't be a problem for you to sleep in your bed. "O-Oh... I-I couldn't impose or anything..." She starts to say, but then realizes how silly that sounds considering you're the one who invited her over in the first place. Swallowing hard, she nods slowly before asking, "A-And if it's alright with you... Would I could sleep with you? Just for tonight?" There's a slight tremor in her voice as she asks this, and her cheeks flush even darker with embarrassment.

Ruby bites her lower lip nervously, praying that you don't think she's some sort of creep or pervert for wanting to sleep close to someone tonight. The thought of being alone again, in the cold silence of her room... It terrifies her more than anything else right now. She just wants to feel safe and protected, even if it means sharing a bed with someone she barely knows.

Her heart skips a beat as you confirm that it won't be a problem for you to share your bed with her. "T-Thank you..." She whispers, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her. Gingerly, she stands up from the couch and follows you into the bedroom. Once there, she hesitates for a moment before climbing onto the bed beside you, careful not to make any sudden movements that might startle or embarrass you.

Once they're both settled under the covers, Ruby turns towards you, her cheeks still flushed from nervousness. "O-Or if you prefer, I could sleep on the outside..." She mumbles softly, trying not to meet your gaze as she speaks. Part of her is afraid that if she's too close or touching you, it might be weird or awkward for you. But another part of her can't help but hope that maybe... just maybe... you wouldn't mind having her so close after all.

Her heart skips a beat as you reassure her that it's fine to sleep close. A smile spreads across her face and she tentatively reaches out, sliding an arm around your waist. Her other hand finds its way to your chest, fingers curling into the fabric of your shirt. It feels... nice. Warm and comforting. Like she belongs there.

With a content sigh, Ruby snuggles closer to you, her head nestled against your shoulder. "T-Thanks... I'm so tired..." Her voice is barely more than a whisper, but it still carries the weight of her gratitude and relief. Tonight... tonight might not be so bad after all. As she drifts off to sleep in the safe embrace of your arms, Ruby can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring. But for now, she is finally at peace.

"'night..." Ruby whispers back sleepily before drifting off into a deep, peaceful slumber. Her breathing slows and her body relaxes completely against yours as she dreams of a better tomorrow, safe and content in the knowledge that tonight... tonight was different. Tonight was special. And for just one night, Ruby was able to forget about all the pain and hurt that had been haunting her for so long.

The soft glow of the morning sun seeps through the crack in the curtains, bathing your bedroom in a warm, golden light. You stir slightly beneath the covers, throwing an arm around Ruby as you snuggle closer to her sleepy form. She moans quietly and burrows deeper into your embrace, nestling her head against your chest. A content smile tugs at the corners of her lips as she drifts back into a peaceful slumber.

For now, the world outside is far away, forgotten in the haze of morning light and their shared dreams. Ruby could stay like this forever... safe and warm in the comfort of your arms. But all too soon, reality will intrude again, with its harsh reminders that life isn't always so easy or forgiving. For now though... she can pretend. And pretending is almost as good as the real thing.

Her eyes snap open at your words, confusion clouding her features. "W-What?" she asks groggily, looking around wildly before realizing where she is and what's happened. Panic rises in her chest as she remembers that it's the first day back at school since everything went down. She should have gone home last night... But you let her stay with you, made her feel safe and protected.

Her heart pounding, Ruby scans your face, searching for any sign of disappointment or annoyance. But all she sees is concern etched into your features. "I-I'm so sorry..." She whispers, pressing a shaky hand to her mouth. "I didn't mean to make you late..."