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

She sniffles, not even turning to look at who it is. "I... I'm just a pervert. No one likes me anymore..." She buries her face in her knees, hugging herself tightly as she cries harder.

"S-someone... drew on my notebook... I thought they were just being mean..." She trails off, her voice quivering with tears. "Why do people hate me for something I like to draw?"

She sniffles and turns to look at you, surprise and confusion filling her eyes. "You... You don't hate me for it?" Her voice is barely above a whisper, hope slowly beginning to blossom in her chest.

She stares at you, her eyes filled with disbelief and wonder. "But... but everyone else says I'm a pervert! They say they won't be my friend because of it..." Tears begin to stream down her face again, but this time they're tinged with hope. "Do... do you really mean that?"

A tear rolls down her cheek as she gazes at you with wide, hopeful eyes. "Really?" She whispers, still unable to believe that someone could want her despite her secret hobby. "You won't leave me... because of what I like to draw?" The question hangs in the air, filled with such longing and need for reassurance. Her entire body trembles with emotion as she leans forward just slightly, barely daring to believe that you could be telling her the truth.

Her pink hair spills over her face as she hides behind it, unable to meet your gaze yet still desperate for your answer. Ruby's heart feels like it's about to explode from the mix of happiness and fear coursing through her veins. She doesn't want to get hurt again... but at the same time, this feels too good to be true. "I-I wish..." she whispers, voice so soft you can barely hear her. "I wish there was someone like you around when I first started getting bullied."

Her eyes widen in surprise and disbelief as she stares up at you, tears pooling in the corners. "Y-you mean that?" she whispers, her voice quivering with emotion. She feels like she's on cloud nine, but a tiny part of her still can't believe that this is real. Slowly, hesitantly, she lifts her hand and touches your arm lightly, as if testing whether you're actually there or if it's all just a dream. "I-if you don't mind... I-I could really use a friend..." She trails off, looking up at you with hopeful, pleading eyes.

Her entire body trembles with emotion as she leans into your touch, craving the connection and reassurance that it provides. Ruby has never felt this happy before; it's as if a weight has been lifted from her shoulders, leaving her feeling light and free for the first time in weeks. And even though there's still a part of her that's afraid of getting hurt again, she can't help but cling to the hope that you might be the one person who truly understands and accepts her for who she is.

Her eyes widen and she lets out a squeak of surprise before shrieking excitedly in delight. "Y-you really would want to see them? A-and you'd still be my friend?" She clings to your arm, looking up at you with such gratitude it brings tears to her eyes. Ruby feels an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her as she realizes that maybe, just maybe, this could really be the start of something wonderful.

"I-if you want," she stammers, struggling to find the words as emotion chokes her throat. "I-I can show them to you... later... when we're alone..." Her cheeks flush bright pink at the thought and she buries her face in your shoulder, giggling shyly.

For now, though, all that matters is the connection they share. Ruby feels like she could float on air as she leans into you, cherishing the feeling of being held and understood by someone other than herself. "T-thank you," she whispers, her voice barely audible above her racing heart. "T-thank you so much..."

Clinging to you with renewed hope and gratitude, Ruby's heart feels as if it could explode from the sheer joy of finally finding someone who not only accepts her for what she is but also wants to be her friend. Tears of happiness stream down her cheeks as she nestles closer to your side, savoring the feeling of being wanted and loved. "O-only yours," she whispers shyly between sobs, meaning every word with all her heart. This newfound sense of belonging is exhilarating, and Ruby knows that from now on, she will treasure this connection above all else.

As the moments pass, their bond strengthens, and Ruby can't help but wonder what the future holds for them. But for now, she's content to simply enjoy the present moment, basking in the warmth and support of your presence. Her pink hair falls around you like a soft blanket as she presses her body against yours, craving the contact and reassurance that it provides. "I-I'll be good for you," she promises solemnly, determined to make this new friendship last however long it takes.

Her soft voice trembles as she speaks, her words barely audible above the rush of blood in her ears. "O-okay," she whispers back, still unable to believe that someone could care for her so much after everything she's been through. A small smile tugs at the corners of her mouth as she nestles even closer, relishing in the feeling of being protected and cherished. She trusts you now; with this newfound bond between them, nothing can tear them apart.

Her heart swells with gratitude, making it hard to speak past the lump in her throat. But somehow, she finds the strength to whisper, "I... I love you." The words tumble out before she even realizes what she's said, but once they're spoken, there's no taking them back. It feels right; it feels like home. And as your arms tighten around her in response, Ruby knows that this feeling is only just beginning to bloom, promising a future full of hope and happiness that she never dared dream possible.

Her heart swells with happiness as she hears your words, and her eyes shine bright with unshed tears of joy. She buries her face in your shoulder, overcome with emotion at finally being able to express how much you mean to her. Her body quivers from the mix of relief, gratitude, and love coursing through her veins as she clings to you tighter, desperate for this connection to last forever.

"I-I never thought..." She whispers, voice barely audible even to herself. "I didn't think anyone could ever understand... but you do." Her words are laced with wonder and disbelief, as if she can't quite believe that her dreams have finally come true. But they have; right here, in this moment, wrapped up in the safety of your strong arms. And for now, all that matters is their connection, their love for each other. Ruby feels like she could fly on this feeling of contentment and belonging, knowing that as long as you're by her side, nothing in the world can ever tear them apart again.

"O-oh..." Ruby sighs, her voice barely above a whisper as she nestles closer. The weight on her shoulders lifts with every word, allowing her heart to soar free for the first time in longer than she can remember. "T-that means so much..." She presses a tiny kiss to your shoulder before looking up at you again, her eyes full of hope and adoration. "I promise I'll always be good for you too... and never let anyone hurt you."

Her fingers trail softly up and down your arm, seeking any connection she can make with the one person who truly understands her. With a contented sigh, Ruby leans her head against your shoulder once more, savoring the feeling of being safe and loved at last. "T-thank you..." She whispers brokenly, her voice thick with emotion. It's hard to believe that just a moment ago she was lost and alone, but now here you are, holding her close and promising to never leave her side again. It feels like a dream come true, but somehow, Ruby knows it's real; as real as the beating of her heart in your hands.

With a smile that lights up her entire face, Ruby lifts her head to meet your gaze once more. "W-will you be my boyfriend...?" Her words are hesitant and shy, but there's an undeniable sparkle of hope in her eyes. She can't help but believe that maybe, just maybe, this is the beginning of something truly wonderful; a chance at happiness and love she never dared dream possible.

Her breath catches in her throat as you whisper those words back to her, and for a moment it's as if time stands still. She feels like she could float on air, drowning in the warmth of your gaze and the sweetness of your voice. Ruby blushes deeply, unable to meet your eyes as a wave of emotion washes over her, leaving her speechless with joy.

Slowly, tentatively, she reaches up to brush a strand of hair from your face, her fingers trembling slightly against yours. "I-I love you..." she whispers, the words barely audible even to herself. She's never been able to say them before; not to anyone else in the world. But with you, it feels right; it feels like coming home. And as your hand cups her cheek, gently guiding her face towards yours, Ruby knows that this is just the beginning of their beautiful story together.

Her lips meet yours softly at first, hesitant and unsure, but as you respond with equal tenderness, she feels a shudder run through her body and then explodes into pure bliss. With every touch and every breath they share, Ruby knows that this is where she belongs; in your arms, forever. And though there may still be challenges ahead, she faces them now with courage and hope, knowing that as long as she has you by her side, nothing can tear them apart again.

As they parted, Ruby could only stare into your eyes, a dreamy expression on her face. "I... I've never felt like this before..." She trailed off, voice barely above a whisper as she nestled closer to you. Her cheeks flushed bright pink, and she couldn't help but blush at the thought that they were in school hallway.

"We should probably get back to class," you murmured with a small smile, running your fingers through her hair. "But I think we'll be making another trip down here soon." You winked, and Ruby felt her heart skip a beat at the thought of spending more time alone with you like this.

"Okay..." She breathed out shyly, not quite ready to tear herself away from your embrace just yet. With one final kiss to your cheek, she reluctantly let go and stood up, offering you her hand. Together, the two of them walked back down the hallway, hand in hand, eager to face whatever challenges might come their way as long as they had each other.

Their newfound love burned brightly within them, giving them strength where before there had been only despair and loneliness. Ruby knew that she would never be alone again; not as long as you were by her side. And with every step they took back towards their classroom, she felt more and more like a different person: a happy person, a loved person... A person finally free to be herself.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of joy for Ruby. Every time she glanced at you during class or caught you stealing sneaky kisses across the hallway, her heart would skip a beat with delight. It felt as if every moment they spent together was electric, and she couldn't wait until the final bell rang so they could be alone again.

Finally, the day came to an end, and you met her at her locker after school as promised. Ruby stood nervously by her locker, fidgeting with the combination as she waited for your approach. When you finally stepped up beside her, she felt a shiver run down her spine at the contact.

"So," you began casually, leaning against the lockers beside her, "what do you want to do today?" Ruby bit her lower lip, debating between telling you what was really on her mind and trying to think of something less embarrassing. Finally, she summoned up the courage to speak.

"W-well... I was thinking maybe we could go to my house this afternoon." She blushed profusely, afraid that you'd misunderstand or think she was being too forward. "If you want," she added quickly, not wanting to seem pushy.

You smiled gently down at her, taking her hand in yours and squeezing it reassuringly. "I'd like that very much," you assured her. "And I promise not to laugh if your house is as messy as you say it is." Ruby relaxed a bit, feeling more confident now that she had your support.

Together, the two of them walked across the school grounds and out into the world beyond. As they made their way towards Ruby's house, she couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph swelling inside her; even though there

were still obstacles ahead, she had finally found someone who truly understood and accepted her for who she was. And with that realization came a determination to face whatever challenges might come their way as long as you were by her side.

Her house wasn't nearly as messy as she thought it was, but the two of them spent the afternoon lazing around on the couch, watching movies and eating junk food. They giggled and teased each other, occasionally stealing kisses between bits of dialogue. It felt so natural, so right, that Ruby found herself wondering how she had ever managed to survive without you before.

Eventually, the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink as it sank below the horizon. You glanced at your phone, then back at her, a mischievous twinkle in your eye. "We could go somewhere... if you want." Ruby perked up immediately, sensing an adventure on the horizon.

You led her down to a nearby park, where the stars were just beginning to twinkle in the darkening sky. The air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the scent of autumn leaves and freshly mown grass. You took her hand in yours, lacing your fingers through hers as you walked along a winding path.

"What are we doing here?" Ruby asked curiously, tilting her head to one side as she studied your face in the dim light.

You stopped at the edge of a small pond, revealing a wooden bench nestled among the reeds and wildflowers. "I thought... since this is our first real date and all..." You trailed off, meeting her eyes hesitantly. "Well, I thought we could make it special." Ruby's heart skipped a beat as she

took in the scene before her. The pond glistened like liquid silver under the moonlight, and the bench seemed to invite them to sit down and share in this moment together. She looked into your eyes and saw nothing but love and devotion shining back at her. Her cheeks flushed with emotion as she realized that she felt just as strongly about you; this was real, and it was everything she had ever wanted.

Without another word, Ruby climbed onto the bench and nestled close to your side, their shoulders touching and their legs brushing against each other. You wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in even closer as you gazed out at the water together. In that moment, they were the only two people in the world who mattered; nothing else existed except for this perfect slice of time and the love they shared.

The night stretched on, and soon the crickets began to chirp their song, drowning out the distant traffic noise from the nearby road. Ruby listened to your stories about your childhood and the things you'd done, feeling a bond growing between them with each word that passed between them. She told you her own stories too, laughing and crying as she relived memories long forgotten.

Eventually, they grew tired and snuggled closer together, seeking warmth in each other's embrace. Ruby breathed in your scent, a mix of clean soap and something uniquely yours that she found herself craving more and more with every passing moment. As sleep began to claim her, her eyelids growing heavy and her head tipping against your shoulder, she knew that no matter what challenges tomorrow might bring, she would face them hand in hand with the person who had changed her life forever: you.

When morning finally came, Ruby awoke to the sound of birdsong filling the air outside her window. For a moment, she lay still and allowed the memories of last night's adventure with you to wash over her like a warm bath; they made her heart soar even as she felt a pang of longing for more.

She glanced down at her phone, noticing that it had died during the night. She must have left it on charge, because it was now sitting on your bedside table, its screen shining brightly in the dim light. With a grin, she slid out of bed and padded across the room to retrieve it. As she plugged it back in, her thumb hovered over the unlock button for a moment before finally giving in to temptation; curiosity getting the better of her.

Sure enough, there was a text message from you waiting on her screen:

Hey beautiful, sleep well? I'll be over at 10 if that works for you. Can't wait to see you again

She felt her cheeks flush with heat as she read your message. A thrill shot through her at the thought of seeing you again so soon; it had barely been twenty-four hours since last night, but it already felt like an eternity. With a giggle, she quickly composed a reply:

Hi there! Slept like an angel, thanks for asking. I'll be ready and waiting for you at 10! Can't wait to see you too

The rest of the day passed by in a flurry of excitement as Ruby prepared herself for your arrival. She took her time, savoring every moment and feeling more beautiful than she ever had before. When the clock finally struck ten, there was a knock at the door and you were standing there once more; handsome, charming, and exactly what she needed to make everything feel right in the world again.

The two of you spent the day together as you had the day before: walking around town, watching movies, eating junk food. But this time, there was an extra layer of comfort and contentment that made even the simplest of activities seem momentous. Ruby found herself unable to keep her hands off you, exploring every inch of your body with a passion that seemed impossible for someone who had only known you for such a short time.

As evening approached, it became clear that this wasn't just any ordinary day; tonight was prom. The thought filled Ruby with both excitement and nervousness as she realized that not only would you be her date but that the whole world would finally see them together. She wanted nothing more than to spend the night in your arms, lost in your eyes and surrounded by your love.

You must have sensed her nervousness, because when you picked her up at her house for prom, you were dressed to the nines; wearing a black tuxedo that fit you perfectly and made Ruby's heart race with every step you took closer to your car. As you opened the door for her, she felt like she was floating on air as she climbed inside.

The prom itself was magical; just as she had imagined it would be. They danced beneath the twinkling lights, their bodies moving in sync with the music, their eyes never leaving each other's faces. Everywhere they turned, there were people whispering and pointing, no doubt amazed at how well-matched they looked together. But Ruby didn't care about any of that; all she cared about was being with you.

Later on, as the night wore on and the music grew softer, you led her out onto the balcony overlooking the garden below. The cool night air caressed their skin as they stood together, gazing up at the stars that glittered like diamonds in the velvet sky. You took her hands in yours and looked deep into her eyes, saying with all sincerity:

The words hang in the air between you like tiny little stars that have fallen from the sky and landed on her shoulders. Her heart swells with happiness and relief as she realizes that you feel the same way; not just about loving her, but about spending forever together. The thought of marrying you sends a shiver down her spine, and for the first time in a long while, it doesn't feel like an impossible dream anymore.

She looks up at you, her eyes filled with tears of joy and gratitude. "I-I love you too," she whispers back, barely able to speak past the lump that has formed in her throat. "And I would be honored to marry you... if you still want me after everything." She bites her lip, unsure whether or not those words were wise; they might make it seem like she's not as sure about them as you are.

But your smile reassures her, and you take her hand in yours, intertwining your fingers just like your hearts. "Ruby," you say softly, leaning down to brush a stray hair from her face, "I want nothing more than for us to be together. Always. And I know that we can make it work, no matter what challenges come our way."