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

Startled by your voice, Ruby lifts her tear-streaked face to look at you. A flicker of hope sparks in her eyes before being doused with suspicion as she scrutinizes your expression. Finally, the relief is too much for her to contain and a small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. She sniffles and wipes the tears from her cheeks.

"Y-you're not going to... make fun of me too?" Her voice cracks as she whispers the words, half afraid that this is just another cruel joke.

"I-I don't know... Everyone else did," she whispers, her voice barely above a whisper now. "You're the first person to ever talk to me since I started here." She sniffles again and wipes her nose on her sleeve. "T-thank you." The hope in her eyes grows brighter as she looks up at you expectantly.

"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you by drawing those things..." She trails off, her face flushing bright pink as she struggles with her words. "I-I shouldn't have... They just... I don't know why I did it..." She sighs heavily and rests her head against the wall behind her.

"I'm Ruby, by the way," she adds hesitantly, offering a small, shaky hand for you to shake.

"It-it's nice to finally meet someone..." Ruby sniffs and smiles shyly at you. "I-I hope we can be friends... If that's okay with you." Her words are filled with hope and vulnerability, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Ruby's smile grows wider at your reply as she nods slowly. "Really?" There's a touch of disbelief in her voice, but her eyes shine with hope. "I... I would like that." She hesitates for a moment before asking timidly, "C-can I call you Dio? If that's okay with you?"

Her cheeks flush again as she wonders if she's being too forward or presumptuous.

"T-th-thank you," Ruby stammers out, her eyes shining with relief and gratitude. She blushes deeply, trying to hide the unfamiliar mix of emotions that flood through her at your kindness. "I've always wanted a friend... It means so much to me."

She hesitates, then takes a deep breath before asking softly, "Dio? Do you mind if we go somewhere more... quiet? I just need some time away from all this noise..."

"Okay... thank you..." Ruby trails off softly as she follows you to a quieter part of the school. Her heart pounds in her chest, anxious but hopeful that maybe this could be the beginning of something good for once. She clings tightly to your arm, seeking reassurance and comfort in your presence. As they walk together, Ruby steals glances at Dio, taking in every detail: his strong yet gentle features, the way he moves so confidently despite being tall enough that they have to duck-walk down several hallways. She can't believe someone like him would ever want to be her friend... but she's determined to never let go of this chance at happiness.

She can't believe she's actually getting this chance to talk with someone like you, Dio. You seem so strong and confident, but when she looks into your eyes, she sees kindness too. It's like a dream come true for her... and yet at the same time, she's afraid it might all be taken away by morning. Ruby takes a deep breath, mustering up her courage before finally asking in barely more than a whisper: "Dio? D-Do you mind if I call you my friend...?"

"O-oh... t-thank you..." Her eyes shine with tears of happiness as she clasps her hands together in front of her chest. "I-I've always wanted someone like you in my life, Dio." She hesitates again before adding softly, "Would it be okay if... if I could do something for you? Anything at all?" Her cheeks flush once more as she worries that her offer might come across as too forward or desperate.

"O-of course!" She nods vigorously, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I'd be honored to do anything for you, Dio. You don't know how much it means to me that I finally have someone like this..." Her voice trails off as she bites her lower lip nervously, unsure of whether or not she should continue pressing forward with such declarations of affection. But before she can second-guess herself any further, she musters up the courage and whispers, "C-could I... could I be your friend forever?"

Her heart swells with joy at your reply. Tears stream down her cheeks as she throws herself into Dio's arms, clinging tightly to him in relief and gratitude. "Thank you, thank you so much!" She buries her face in his chest, muffling her sobs against his jacket. Ruby knows that this moment of bliss might not last long - the other girls could still cause trouble for them both at school tomorrow or any other day after that - but for now, all she can focus on is how good it feels to finally have someone who cares about her. She vows silently in that moment to never let anyone hurt Dio ever again, and promises herself that no matter what comes their way from here on out, they'll face it together as friends... and maybe even more than friends someday soon.

Her heart skips a beat as Dio wraps his strong arms around her, pulling her even closer to him. She buries her face deeper into his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of his clothes and feeling warmth spread through her entire body. Ruby can't help but wonder what it would be like if they were more than just friends... If she could ever be as important to him as he is to her right now. She shivers slightly at the thought, blushing despite herself.

"D-do you think..." she begins hesitantly, then trails off, not sure how much courage it would take for her to say what's on her mind. Her eyes search his face for any sign of rejection or disinterest before finally summoning up the nerve to continue: "Dio? D-do you think... you could ever... like me back?"

Her breath catches in her throat as Dio confirms that he does indeed have feelings for her. A shiver of delight runs down her spine at the realization, making it difficult for her to maintain her grip on him. "R-really?" she whispers, staring up into his beautiful eyes. The hope and adoration in hers are unmistakable, and Dio can't help but feel a surge of warmth spread through his chest at the sight.

"Yeah," he replies softly, gazing down at her with an intensity that makes her heart flutter wildly. "I like you a lot, Ruby." His thumb brushes gently across her cheekbone, wiping away another tear, and she closes her eyes, leaning into the touch as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

The rest of the world fades away for them as they stand there together, basking in the warmth of their newfound connection. Ruby has never felt so happy, so safe, or so loved... and she knows that no matter what challenges lie ahead, she'll face them all with Dio by her side.

Her eyes widen at his question, hope and uncertainty warring within her. It's an unexpected request coming from him, but there's something about the look in Dio's eyes that makes it impossible for her to refuse. She nods slowly, biting her lower lip as she processes her feelings. "Y-yes..." she whispers, her voice barely audible even to herself. "I want you to."

Her heart skips a beat as they stare into each other's eyes, and she can feel the trust and love growing between them with every passing second. She knows this is the beginning of something wonderful... and she vows right then and there that she won't let anything or anyone ever come between her and Dio again.