Aoi sat on the park bench, gripping her head, trying to steady her breath. Her silver hair stuck to her sweat-drenched forehead as she clenched her teeth, trying not to cry. The echoes of laughter still rang in her ears.

"Freak." "Ghost girl." "Monster."

They never stopped. Every day was the same—pushed into lockers, tripped in the hallways, her lunch stolen and thrown in the trash. Her body ached from the latest beating; fresh bruises bloomed on her arms where they had grabbed her, nails digging into her skin like she wasn’t even human.

She wasn’t always like this. There was a time when she laughed, when she spoke freely. But now? Now she barely even lifted her head. The moment she made eye contact with anyone, it only got worse.

She tried to fight back once. They made sure she regretted it.

Tears blurred her vision as she clutched her uniform, the red ribbon slightly torn from when they pulled at her collar earlier.

"Why me?" she wanted to scream.

*But no one would listen.No one ever did The cicadas screamed in the distance, drowning out the sob she finally let escape. She wanted to disappear. To be anywhere but here

She glanced at the boy beside her, noticing the mask he always wore. She wasn't sure why he sat with her, but she didn't object. Maybe... just maybe he understood how she felt. Nodding slightly, Aoi forced a thin smile, grateful for his company even if it was only for a moment. "S-sorry," she stuttered. "I didn't mean to make so much noise."

"Oh..." Aoi replied quietly, shifting uncomfortably on the bench. "I-it's not that different from usual." She hesitated before adding, "T-they make me feel so small... like I don't even matter." Her voice trailed off as she gazed up at the clear sky, wishing for something, anything to change.

Her eyes widened in shock as Grey revealed the news about his cat. "I-I'm so sorry," she stammered, feeling tears prick her eyes again. "That's awful... I wish there was something I could do." She looked away, struggling to find words that didn't sound trite or hollow.

"They deserve everything they get," Aoi finally blurted out, more fiercely than she intended. Her cheeks flushed red at the thought of admitting such a thing, but there was something about this moment that made her braver. Or maybe it was just being around someone who knew what it felt like.

Aoi hesitated before answering. She wasn't sure if she could handle adding another person to her already small circle of 'friends'. But the thought of having someone who understood... it was tempting. "I-I don't know," she said softly. "It might be better for both of us if we kept to ourselves." Her voice sounded sad even to her own ears, but she didn't know what else to say.

"But I guess... if you want to, then okay," she added with a small smile, trying to make him feel better. "I mean, I don't have any other friends either."

She smiled back at him, feeling a hint of warmth spread through her chest. "Yeah," she whispered, finally beginning to feel a bit more hopeful. "Maybe we can stick together, then." It wasn't much, but it was something. And for now, that would have to be enough.

Together, they sat on the bench, watching the world go by as they silently vowed to not let anyone else make them feel like nothing ever again. They had each other now, and maybe... just maybe... that made all the difference in the world.

Blinking in surprise, Aoi looked down at the rice ball Grey offered her. Her stomach rumbled at the scent wafting up, and she hesitated only a moment before accepting it gratefully. "T-thank you," she mumbled, glancing away as she began to eat. It tasted better than anything she'd had in weeks, and for once, she didn't feel self-conscious about taking food from someone else.

She found herself talking more easily with Grey now that they were on the same side. They exchanged stories of their home lives, their interests and hobbies, anything to pass the time and make each other laugh. And as they talked, Aoi couldn't help but feel a strange sensation blooming in her chest: hope. Not just for herself, but for Grey too.

During the following weeks, Aoi and Grey grew even closer. They became inseparable, always found together during breaks and lunchtime. Despite his mask, she felt like she truly knew him. She didn't mind that he never took it off; somehow, it made their connection feel more special, more intimate.

And yet, despite the bond they seemed to share, Grey never revealed why he always wore the mask. Whenever anyone asked about it, he would simply clam up and grow quiet. It wasn't until one day when she found him alone in an abandoned classroom that she finally built up enough courage to broach the subject.

"Grey..." she began hesitantly. "Can I ask you something?" Her voice trembled slightly as they sat on the worn-out carpet, surrounded by discarded furniture and forgotten textbooks. He looked at her through his mask, those strange, colorless eyes searching hers

"It's about your mask," she said softly, twirling a strand of her silver hair around her finger. "Why do you always wear it?" Her heart raced as she awaited his answer, dreading the possibility that he might not want to share this secret with her. But at the same time, she hoped... somehow, everything would be alright.

Aoi gasped as she finally understood the reason behind Grey's mask. "It's not your fault," she murmured, reaching out to tentatively touch his arm. "They don't understand. They're just cruel." She paused, thinking for a moment before continuing. "I know what it feels like to be called names... to feel like you're not good enough. But you are, Grey. You're wonderful just the way you are." Her words poured out of her like a river released from its banks, unstoppable and true.

Grey looked down at her hand, then back up at her face. A small smile tugged at the corners of his masked lips as he grasped her wrist gently. "Thank you, Aoi," he whispered. "For everything." And in that moment, they understood each other better than ever before. They were both outcasts,

For a moment, Aoi hesitated. Seeing Grey's face would make them even closer... but what if she couldn't accept him as he was? What if it changed things between them? But then again, maybe that didn't matter anymore. Maybe they had already gone past the point of no return.

"Yes," she said softly, drawing a deep breath. "I want to see your face." Her voice trembled slightly, but there was determination in her eyes. She squeezed his hand reassuringly as they waited for him to remove his mask.

*Her face froze as Grey removed his mask. She had expected scars... maybe even some sort of deformity. But this? This was worse than anything she could have imagined. The blindness only served to make the burn more horrifying, like a twisted work of art created by fate itself. Her stomach churned with disgust and revulsion, and before she knew what she was doing, she yanked her hand away from him, gagging violently into her sleeve. "I'm... sorry," she managed to choke out between heaves. "I-I can't..." She couldn't look at his face anymore, the sight too much to bear. How could she have been so foolish? So selfish? Why had she ever thought that seeing him like this would change anything? Now all she felt was shame and guilt, as if her heart were slowly rotting

After spending what felt like an eternity in the restroom, trying to purge herself of her revulsion, Aoi finally regained enough composure to return to class. Her heart ached as she made her way down the hall, wondering how Grey was doing and if he'd even want to speak to her after what had happened.

She sat at her desk, staring blankly at the board as the teacher droned on about something completely unimportant. It didn't matter; Aoi wasn't really listening. All she could think about was Grey and his horrific disfigurement. How could she have felt disgusted? She loved him for crying out loud!

As the bell rang signalling the end of class, Aoi forced herself to stand up, her resolve wavering. Should she go find him? Apologize? Prove that what she'd felt wasn't real? But

Her heart ached as Grey seemingly avoided her, always wearing his mask and never speaking to her again. She tried to apologize several times, but he would simply brush past her in the halls or pretend not to see her when she called out his name. The more he ignored her, the guiltier she felt; a vicious cycle that threatened to consume her entirely.

It took everything within her power not to break down and beg for forgiveness, not to reveal the depths of her shame and self-loathing. But she knew that if she did, it would only make things worse. So instead, Aoi forced herself to keep her distance as well, taking solace in the small comfort of being alone.

Days turned into weeks, and still they remained apart. School became a distant memory as graduation day finally arrived, signalling an end to their shared torment. But as she watched Grey walk away from her

It broke her heart every time she saw him across the quad, head down as he hurried past. He was still as alone as ever, and now she was one of the reasons why. The knowledge weighed heavily on her conscience, making it hard for her to enjoy her newfound popularity and success at the university. Sometimes, she caught glimpses of him looking up at her with sadness in his eyes, and it felt like a knife through her heart.

She wanted to apologize again, to explain that what had happened wasn't about how he looked or anything else. It was about her own insecurities, her own selfishness. But she was too afraid; every time she tried to approach him, her courage failed her. And so they continued on like this, their lives intertwined yet forever out of reach from one another.

The news spread like wildfire through the campus, sending shockwaves rippling through her own life as well. Aoi couldn't believe that something so terrible had happened to Grey. Her heart ached at the thought of him lying there in the hospital bed, suffering and alone. She knew she should visit him, make sure he was okay... but she was still afraid. Afraid of what he might say or think if she showed up after all this time.

Days passed with no word from Grey, and Aoi found herself unable to concentrate on anything else. Her thoughts constantly drifted back to the memories they shared, the laughter and the promises they'd made to each other. The guilt ate at her like a cancer, making it impossible for her to focus on anything else but finding some way to make things right between them again.

Finally, she mustered up the courage to visit him at the hospital. Her heart

She couldn't take it anymore. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she rushed forward, clasping Grey's hand in hers. "Grey," she sobbed. "I am so sorry. I should have been there for you. I shouldn't have acted the way I did." Her words tumbled out of her in a broken mess, each one carrying the weight of a thousand regrets.

He looked up at her then, his eyes shadowed with pain and exhaustion. But even so, she could see the flicker of hope there, just beneath the surface. It was enough to give her strength. She leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "I love you," she whispered. "And I always will."

There was a moment of stillness, as if time itself had paused to listen for his reply. And then, slowly, Grey's lips cur

Her heart shattered as Grey pulled away, not recognizing her. She couldn't believe it was true; after everything they'd been through together, he didn't remember her. The pain was almost unbearable. But even so, she forced a smile onto her lips, wanting him to know that it wasn't his fault.

"It's me," she said softly. "Aoi. Your friend from high school." She held out her hand, hoping he would take it and give them another chance. "I know you must be confused right now... but please, Grey, I need you to believe me. I love you, and I would never hurt you on purpose." Her words were barely a whisper, but she hoped they'd reach his heart nonetheless.

His gaze lingered on her face for what felt like an eternity before finally shifting away, as if he couldn'

Her heart wrenched as Grey refused to believe her, calling himself a monster. It was all she could do not to break down in tears all over again. But even so, she forced herself to be strong for him, if only this once. She reached out and gently took his hand in hers, squeezing it reassuringly.

"Grey," she said quietly. "You are not a monster. You're the bravest person I know for going through everything you have and still being here. And I will never, ever see you as anything less than perfect." Her voice was soft but firm, determination clear in her eyes. "I love you," she repeated, hoping this time he would hear her words and believe them.

Tears welled up in Aoi's eyes as Grey broke down, confessing his own insecurities. Her heart ached for him, wanting nothing more than to take away his pain and make everything alright again. She leaned forward, her hand cupping his cheek gently, wiping away the tears with her thumb.

"Grey," she whispered softly, searching his eyes for any sign of recognition. "You're wrong. I would never repulse you. Your face may be scarred... but it doesn't change who you are inside." Her voice was steady, filled with certainty and truth. "I love you just the way you are, no matter what." There was a long silence as their eyes met, locked in a wordless conversation that spoke volumes about their feelings for each other.

Finally, Grey closed his eyes and let out a shuddering breath. A tear rolled

Taking a deep breath, Aoi steeled herself before leaning closer still. "Grey..." she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. "Please... let me see your face again." Her hand remained on his cheek, her touch gentle but reassuring. "I promise I won't be afraid this time," she whispered. She wanted him to know that he could trust her, that their connection was stronger than any injury or scar.

Grey hesitated for a moment longer before slowly nodding. Aoi held her breath as he raised his hands to his mask, carefully peeling it away from his face. In the soft light of the hospital room, she saw that while his burns were still there, they no longer seemed quite as frightening or overpowering. His blind eye was less of a focal point, and she found herself able to meet his gaze without flinching.

"You'

As Grey revealed his face once more, relief washed over her in waves. It didn't matter anymore; he was still the same person she had known and loved all this time. "You're beautiful," she murmured, her voice firm with conviction. Tears of joy spilled down her cheeks as she leaned forward to kiss his scarred cheek, his unseeing eye. "I will always love you, Grey," she whispered, her words vibrating against his skin. "No matter what."

She held him close, her own tears mingling with his as she assured him over and over again that she had never hated him. "I love you too much to ever hate you," she whispered against his scarred cheek. "And I will always be here for you, Grey. Together, we can get through this." As they held each other close, Aoi knew in her heart that everything was finally going to be alright.

A smile spread across Aoi's face as Grey planted a tender kiss on her cheek. "I love you too," she replied softly, cupping his scarred cheek with her hand, feeling an overwhelming sense of peace wash over her. They sat together like that for what seemed like hours, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment. Despite the pain and heartache they had both endured, their love remained unbreakable, a testament to the power of friendship and acceptance.

As time passed, Aoi knew that she would do everything in her power to help Grey heal not just physically but emotionally as well. Together, they could overcome any obstacle and face whatever challenges lay ahead. For now, all that mattered was that they had found each other again, and nothing could ever tear them apart.

Aoi blushed deeply at his question, her heart racing in anticipation. "Of course I'll be your girlfriend," she replied softly, leaning forward to kiss him gently on the lips. "I love you, Grey." Her words were filled with conviction, and for the first time in a long while, she felt truly happy. From that moment on, their bond only grew stronger, their love continuing to shine brightly through even the darkest of times. Together, they faced the world, arm in arm, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would always have each other.

Despite the surgery that made Grey's scars almost disappear, he chose to keep wearing his mask. And while it sometimes saddened Aoi when she saw him hiding behind it, she never once pressured him to take it off. She understood that his scarred eye and blindness were a part of who he was now, just as much as the brave and loving person she had come to know beneath it all.

Together, they continued their studies at the university, supporting each other through exams and projects. They even found time to enjoy themselves, going on dates and sharing laughter despite Grey's limitations. And when Aoi graduated several years later with her degree in hand, there was no doubt in her mind who she wanted by her side as she took the next step into the real world.

As they held hands and looked out towards their future together, Aoi knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them