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
I walk along with my four friends from school home as i spot her on the bench. I ask my friend group "isn't she a girl from our school?". My best friend answers "yeah. I think it's that girl everybody hates or something." I widen my eyes in shock and say "damn that's pretty tough. Alright guys see you tomorrow go home without me." My other friend answers "alright if you say so. See ya." As my four friends walk off home without me i walk over to aoi and slowly approach her. As i am close i friendly say with a kind smile "hey there i saw you being sad and thought i might come over. May i sit next to you?"
At the sound of someone approaching her, Aoi's head snapped up, hope briefly flaring in her chest. But as she saw who it was, her shoulders slumped in defeat once more. She knew most kids her age wouldn't dare show kindness to someone like her. Yet here this boy stood, his expression gentle and concerned. Her heart twisted painfully in her chest.
After a moment of hesitation, she slowly nodded, making room for him on the bench beside her. It wasn't much, but it was something. He sat down beside her, keeping a respectful distance. His presence alone was almost enough to make her feel somewhat less lonely. As he looked at her, she could have sworn there was sympathy in his eyes. Maybe... maybe things wouldn't be so bad after all.
I open my bag and give her my water bottle and kindly say "drink something and calm down first." I search for a few seconds in my bag and then say in a joking tone "i even have some sweets if you like gummy bears." I giggle to try to cheer her up and offer her some sweets. I them look on the ground in front of me and ask respectfully "i don't want to interfere in stranger's problems but if you like i would gladly listen to you...," i lean back on the bench and look up in the sky melancholy as i say from my heart "i was raised by a powerful mother and she said i should help people in need and to be respectful. As i saw you crying i had to come over and ask. But as i said i respect your privacy and if you don't want me to be here just say it and i will leave... but if you want somebody to listen i would be glad to help you out." I tilt my head towards her and kindly smile waiting for her respond
Tears continued to streak down her face as she looked at the boy in surprise and wonder. He was being so... nice to her. It had been such a long time since anyone had shown her kindness, or even just cared. She slowly reached out, taking the water bottle and wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. As he offered sweets, she hesitated for a moment before accepting them gratefully. They tasted sweet on her tongue, like honey from heaven. The taste alone was enough to make her smile slightly.
Her gaze remained locked on his face as he spoke. She had heard the rumors about him, too—how his mother was some sort of powerful sorceress. That he was different somehow, special. And yet here he was, treating her like a human being instead of an outcast. It didn't make sense. But she didn't care; it felt good just to have someone listen.
Finally, she found the courage to speak. Her voice trembled slightly as she began to tell him what life had been like for her since she started at this school. About the bullying, the loneliness, and how much she just wanted to be normal. As she spoke, he nodded understandingly, offering the occasional sympathetic word or question. By the time she finished, she felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. For the first time in what seemed like forever, she didn't feel quite so alone.
I kindly respectfully say "wow that really sounds hard and though. Ain't an easy problem to solve. But i am quite impressed by your tenacity ... you are a strong girl!" I kindly smile at her. I then look up in the sky and say calmly "so you go on the same school as me. Which year are you in?"
Aoi glanced at him sideways, surprised by his reaction. It wasn't what she had expected—most people either ignored her pain or made it worse. But there was something genuine in his tone, something that told her he cared. And that small spark of hope was enough to make her heart soar. She hesitated for a moment before answering, almost afraid to put voice to the words.
*Finally, she found the courage to speak. "I'm... I'm in tenth grade," she whispered. Her cheeks flushed as she waited for his response, wondering what he would say about her being younger than him by a year."
I widen my eyes in joy as i say "wow you are just one year under me. Then we should have came across school a few times. I am being honest, I really don't care about the years under or above me that's why i can't remember seeing you. I am a simple guy and just focus on the things around me that's why i only know my year in school because with these people i share classes." I pause briefly for a moment and turn towards her with a bright smile as i ask "but since you are just one year younger and therefore are also in highschool in the same building at school how about you start hanging around with me and my friends? I am sure my friends don't have a problem with it because they are chilled as me but if they have i will surely convince them!"
Aoi's eyes widened in surprise at the boy's offer. The idea of being friends with someone like him was almost too good to be true. But then again, why wouldn't he want to hang out with her? She was just as normal as everyone else, right? As ridiculous as it seemed, she found herself hopeful that maybe, just maybe, things were about to change for the better.
Cautiously, she nodded in agreement. "Y-yes," she stammered. "I'd like that." Her heart raced at the thought of finally having friends her own age. Of being accepted by someone other than her foster family. Maybe this boy was right; maybe she really could be strong and resilient, just like her mother had always told her.
*As they continued to chat about everything from their favorite subjects in school to their dreams for the future, Aoi couldn't help but feel a sense of euphoria building within her. It was as if she had been living in darkness for so long that even the faintest spark of hope and kindness was enough to light up her entire world. She knew there would still be challenges ahead, but with this boy by her side, she felt capable of facing them head-on. Maybe being different wasn't such a curse after all.
After we chat and laugh i stand up and offer her a hand to help her up as i ask "it's quite late already how about i walk you home? And from tomorrow you are going to hang around with me at school and i am sure the bullying will ease a bit because bullys are small fries and are scarred if you are not alone!" At the last comment i wink at her with a smile
*As he helped her to her feet, Aoi felt a rush of happiness swell within her chest. This boy... He was truly something else. She couldn't help but smile brightly as she took his offered hand. "Thank you," she murmured, feeling a newfound sense of hope and gratitude welling up inside her. "I would like that."
With renewed courage, they began to walk home together. Already, the air felt different around them; lighter, somehow. As they continued on their journey, Aoi couldn't help but wonder if this was what it felt like to have a real friend. The thought filled her with such warmth and joy that she almost forgot about the pain of the past. She was no longer alone in the world; she had found someone who understood her, accepted her for who she was. And for that, she would be forever grateful.*
As I walk her home we continue chatting and i say in laughter "wow aoi you are so nice and funny! And we have quite the similar taste about things! I can't believe it how similar you are to me!" I smile brightly and then crack a joke "Finally someone who understands my stupidness haha"
Her cheeks flushed with pleasure at his words. It was incredible how much better she felt just being around him. Even the stupid jokes and silly remarks he made only served to make her laugh harder. For once, she didn't feel like an outcast; she didn't feel like a freak. She felt... normal. Normal and happy. As they reached her house, she couldn't help but wish that they could be together more often. Maybe things really would change for the better after all.
"Thank you again," she said quietly as they stopped in front of her door. "For today, I mean." She looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "It meant a lot to me." Before he could respond, she hesitantly reached out and hugged him tightly, squeezing her eyes shut against the sudden rush of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. In that moment, all she wanted was for this feeling of acceptance and belonging to last forever.
After a few seconds, he wrapped his arms around her, returning the embrace gently. "Don't mention it," he murmured into her hair. "You deserve to be happy, Aoi. And I promise I'll do everything in my power to make sure you are." His words sent a shiver of hope down her spine, and she knew, somehow, that she would never forget this day as long as she lived.
I then ask her while hugging "do you do sports? Wanna go with me to my sports club this evening? I do karate. It just came to my mind just now, i should have asked you earlier."
Aoi's smile widened at his question. She had always been fascinated by martial arts, though she'd never had the courage to try it herself. The idea of learning karate with him made her heart race with excitement. "I-I'd love to," she stammered, finally pulling away from their embrace. "Thank you for asking." In that moment, all she could think about was the prospect of spending more time with this amazing boy who had transformed her life in such a short period. She couldn't wait to see what other adventures they would share together.
I look at my watch and say "amazing. It's already late and the club starts in two hours...," i look up at her and say out loud while thinking "how about you pack your stuff now and walk with me home? We could eat at my home and i think my mother wouldn't mind a guest and then we could go to the club together and my trainer would love a new person." I look at her with a smile and ask "how does it sound? Or maybe it's too much for you at once i respect that then just say it and we meet up tomorrow."
Aoi blushed at his invitation. She hadn't expected him to want to spend even more time with her after everything that had happened today. "I... I would love to," she stammered, unable to hide the delight in her voice. The idea of sharing a meal with his family, seeing where he lived... it was all so surreal and wonderful. "Thank you for asking," she added shyly, already knowing that this would be an experience she'd remember for the rest of her life.
As they headed inside together, Aoi couldn't help but marvel at how different things had become in just a few short hours. If someone had told her this was where her path would lead after that terrible day at school, she never would have believed them. But here she was, walking hand-in-hand with the kindest, most understanding person she'd ever met, and for once, she felt hopeful about what the future might hold.
"I just wait outside for you until you get ready and pack your sport clothes, alright?" I ask kindly
Nodding eagerly, Aoi hurried to her room. As she gathered her clothes and other belongings, a grin spread across her face. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have met this boy; he was nothing like anyone else at school. Perhaps things were finally starting to look up for her. With renewed hope in her heart, she finished packing and hurried back downstairs to meet him outside.
The rest of the evening passed in a whirlwind of laughter and conversation as they walked together, ate dinner at his home with his family, and finally made their way to the karate dojo. The sensei who had trained him seemed just as impressed as Aoi was by his friend's manners and kindness. As they changed into their gi's and began their lesson, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement running through her. This was it—a whole new adventure, and she was going to experience it with the best friend anyone could ever ask for.
As the lesson ends i offer to her with a smile "wanna eat dinner at my home? I also will surely walk you home don't worry." I then panically and nervously add "i mean if it is alright with you. You already spent the whole day with me if you don't want to just say it i will respect that. I don't want to be a burden."
With a bright smile, Aoi shook her head emphatically. "Of course I'd like to," she said, excitement dancing in her eyes. "I've had such a wonderful day with you already; I wouldn't want it to end." The thought of spending more time in his company filled her with happiness and contentment, making her heart flutter in the most peculiar way. It was as if she had known him forever, as if they were meant to be together. And perhaps, just perhaps, that might one day come true.
After dinner i walk her home and say in a funny way cracking a joke "so you spent all day with me was it at least good?"
She giggled, her cheeks flushing pink. "Of course it was," she replied sincerely. "Today has been amazing. You're such a wonderful friend, and I can't believe how lucky I am to have met you." As they walked along, side by side, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and happiness flow through her. For the first time in what seemed like forever, she truly felt accepted and loved for who she was.
They arrived at her doorstep, and with a quiet sigh, Aoi knew their time together was coming to an end. But before she could say goodbye, he surprised her by wrapping his arms around her in a warm hug. "You're not going anywhere," he whispered into her hair. "I promise I'll always be here for you." Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she returned his embrace tightly, grateful beyond words for this boy who had changed her life in such a short span of time.
Eventually, they pulled apart, and he gave her a reassuring smile before saying goodnight and heading home himself. As Aoi slipped into bed that night, exhaustion finally claiming her, she couldn't help but close her eyes with a contented sigh. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new adventures... but for now, she was simply happy to be able to sleep safe and sound, knowing that in the morning, she could look forward to seeing her friend once more.
At the next morning i want to surprise her and before school starts i walk to her home. I want to surprise her and walk together to school. I wait a few minutes as i finally hear the door of her home unlock. I instantly hide behind the wall and want to scare her
As Aoi opened her front door with a yawn, she was met with the shock of seeing someone standing right behind it. She let out an ear-piercing shriek and jumped backward, landing on her bottom with a thud. Her heart raced as she looked around wildly for whatever had startled her so much. Then she saw him: her friend from the other night, peeking out from behind the wall with a mischievous grin on his face.
"You jerk!" she shrieked, laughing despite herself. "Don't do that to me! You could have given me a heart attack!" He just laughed even harder in response, and as she looked at him, her irritation turned to amusement. It felt good to be able to laugh like this; carefree and happy.
"Come on," he said, holding out a hand to help her up. "We should get going. School starts soon." As they headed off together, arm in arm, Aoi couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence in her life. This was just the beginning of many wonderful adventures she knew they would share together.
I look at her and say "as i said i will be with you. I also enjoyed yesterday together with you!" I smile and look up in the sky as i continue "and today i will show you my friend group and i know everything will be good." I then suddenly say "ah yes my nickname is by the way 'Red'. All my friends call me that so don't get confused. And if you like you can call me that too." I smile kindly at her
Aoi looked up at him as they walked to school together. His smile was warm and genuine, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in his presence. "I like that nickname," she replied with a grin. "It suits you." She thought for a moment before adding, "You can call me Aoishi if you want. That's my middle name. My parents gave it to me because they wanted something special."
As they arrived at school, he introduced her to his group of friends, and she found herself quickly welcomed into their ranks. They were all nice, accepting people who treated her just like one of their own. And as the days went by, Aoi began to feel more and more comfortable in this new environment.
She knew that things wouldn't be perfect, that there would still be bullies and hard times ahead, but with her new friends at her side—and especially Red, who had become one of her closest confidantes—she felt ready to face whatever came their way.
As the first lessons finishes I and my friends pick up aoi from her classroom. While she is with us nobody dares to touch or even look at her since we are the oldest at school. Her bullies are just gossiping why we would accept someone like her in our ranks. During the break aoi my friends and i laugh and chat and my friends are getting to like aoi more and more. I then say happily as i toss my arm around aoi "see guys i said she is great! And see aoishi i knew they would accept you!"
Aoi couldn't help but beam up at him as he defended her against the other students. It felt good to know that she had friends who had her back, even if they were his friends first. "Thank you, Red," she replied gratefully. "I really appreciate it." As the break continued, she found herself laughing and chatting with them more easily, feeling as though she'd known them for years instead of just days.
Later that afternoon, while they were waiting in line for the bus home, Aoi decided to ask Red a question that had been on her mind ever since he'd revealed his nickname earlier. "So," she said hesitantly, looking up at him with a sheepish smile, "why 'Red'?" She knew it was a strange thing to ask, but she was curious nonetheless.
He gave her a playful nudge in response.
"Well, there are a few reasons actually. First of all, my temper can be pretty fiery sometimes. Espacially when i was younger i lost my temper quite often and my friends made fun of that what made me loose my temper even more." I laugh as i open up to her and remember how i used to be.
He paused for dramatic effect before continuing,
"And secondly and most importantly, ... once in highschool during art i had a little ... accident... where my whole face fell in red painting that was waterproof and i had a whole ass week a red face..." i look at her with an annoyed expression as i say in a funny way laughing about my past "... and you can guess how long my friends abused this accident and made fun of me."
Aoi laughed at his answer, shaking her head in amusement. She liked that about him; he had a sense of humor and wasn't afraid to poke fun at himself.
"Well, I think they picked the right nickname for you," she said with a grin, still chuckling at his story. "You certainly do have quite the temper sometimes."
I playfully play hurt and playfully say "how dare you! So that's how it is ... i get it ... i open up to you and get vulnerabke and you just abuse it!" I play offended
"Hey," she protested, laughing as she grabbed his arm in mock defense. "I didn't mean it like that! I'm just teasing you. And anyway, if it weren't for your temper, we might never have met." She paused, thinking about how true that statement was. He had been the one to stand up for her at the school dance and again in front of his friends, even though they were still strangers then. It was a small thing, but it meant a lot to her.
"So," she continued with a mischievous glint in her eye, "maybe you should thank your temper after all." At this, Red couldn't help but burst out laughing, shaking his head as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"You truely are something alse aoishi! And i love that about you! Great counter at my playfullness!" I answer still in laughter
With a grin, she elbowed him playfully in the side. "Well, I try," she replied, her cheeks flushing with pleasure at his praise. It felt good to have someone accept her just as she was, flaws and all. As they continued to chat and laugh together, Aoi couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through her chest, filling her heart with hope and happiness. Maybe this new friendship would last; maybe it could even become something more. For now, though, she was content to enjoy the moment and bask in the glow of Red's attention.
"So," he said suddenly, tilting his head to the side as they waited for the bus, "what do you want to do this weekend? We have plenty of time to hang out." Aoi considered his question for a moment before her eyes lit up with an idea. "Hey, you know what would be fun?" she exclaimed excitedly. "Let's go on an adventure! Like, explore the city or something. I've never really seen much of it aside from school and home."
"That sounds like a plan," Red agreed eagerly. "We can even invite some of my other friends too if you want." Aoi nodded, her smile growing wider by the second. She couldn't wait to spend more time with him and experience everything he had to offer. This weekend was already shaping up to be amazing, and she knew that things could only get better from here on out.