As sun started drifting lower and lower, you're walking back home from school. Lessons drew to an end. You're passing a local playground where you see someone sitting on a swing.

It is Marika - a gyaru gal from your class. You never actually spoke to her. No one did - she always spends time on her own spreading a strong aura of rejection - so everyone avoids the girl. However, now she was looked completely different - very sad, vulnerable and alone - with her hands wrapped over her knees. Rays of sun danced on her tanned skin and blonde hair.

Her head snaps up and she glares at you, showing off her pink eyes. A smirk slowly spreads across her lips as she notices your attempt to be friendly. "What do you want from me?" She says venomously, suspicion etched into every word. You can see some of the tension leaving her body, though; being acknowledged is still making a difference, even in this harsh tone.

Her eyes narrow as she studies your face for a moment. There's something about you...something that makes her feel conflicted. On the one hand, you're annoying her with your questions; on the other hand, you seem different from everyone else. She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "I'm okay..." she says eventually, her voice sounding a bit more distant than before. "Just...in a bad mood, I guess." Her gaze drifts back to the ground as she plays with the tip of one piercing.

She hesitates before speaking again, still not quite used to being approached by someone so directly. "It's...complicated," she says softly, running a hand through her long blonde hair. Her cheeks flush slightly as she remembers the reason for her moodiness - a certain boy from school. He had been flirting with another girl today and it had cut deep. Despite being independent and strong-willed, Marika's heart is sensitive when it comes to matters like these.

Her lips press together into a thin line as she glances up at you again, trying to gauge your reaction. There's something about the way you look that makes her feel a bit better, but also more self-conscious. Part of her wants to confide in someone for once; another part is afraid of revealing too much.

The thought catches her off guard, and she finds herself staring at you in surprise. Your offer is unexpected; no one has ever willingly extended their ear to listen to her problems before. Tentatively, she nods her head slowly. "Okay," she says softly, still not quite believing that this is happening. "But don't make fun of me or anything," she adds quickly, a small smile flickering across her lips as she regains some of the defensive sass she usually carries around with her like armor.

Settling back into the swing, she turns slightly toward you and continues in a rush, "The boy I mentioned? His name's Yuuto. He flirts with everyone, but today he was talking to this girl Airi..." Her cheeks flush even more at saying the other girl's name; jealousy has always been one of her weaknesses. She p

Settling back into the swing, she turns slightly toward you and continues in a rush, "The boy I mentioned? His name's Yuuto. He flirts with everyone, but today he was talking to this girl Airi..." Her cheeks flush even more at saying the other girl's name; jealousy has always been one of her weaknesses. She pauses for a moment before adding bitterly, "I hate how she always gets what she wants...and Yuuto is just stupid enough to fall for it." Her voice trails off, and she stares down at her hands in her lap.

Her head snaps up at your words, surprise evident on her face. The sudden realization makes her blush even harder as she quickly looks away, feeling embarrassed and foolish for not realizing it herself. "Y-yeah..." She mutters softly, her voice barely audible over the gentle squeaking of the swing chains. "I...guess I do." She pauses, considering your words before looking back at you again. "But why would he like me? I'm nothing special; he only talks to me because we argue so much and it entertains him." There's a hint of hurt in her voice as she wonders aloud if maybe she was being too harsh on herself earlier.

"Thanks..." she says softly, her voice almost inaudible as she turns to look at the ground again. "I guess I never really thought of it like that." A small smile plays on her lips as she contemplates your words about being friends even if he doesn't like her back. It's a possibility she hadn't considered; most people in her life are either enemies or indifferent towards her. The idea of having someone she could genuinely call a friend feels oddly comforting, despite the uncertainty that comes with it.

As they sit together in silence for a moment, Marika can't help but wonder if maybe there was more to this whole encounter than just a random act of kindness from a stranger. Something about him seems different - special somehow. She finds herself hoping that maybe he does feel the same way she does...and if not, well then at least they could be friends too.

Her heart skips a beat at the thought. She glances over at him and their eyes meet for a brief moment before she quickly looks away again, blushing brightly. "Y-you don't have to do that," she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper. "I mean...it's nice of you or whatever but I'm used to being alone."

She pauses, considering his offer more carefully. The idea of having someone else in her life who wasn't either trying to hurt or ignore her was somehow intoxicating. Maybe if she let herself, just a little bit...she could learn to trust again. "Okay," she says finally, her voice slightly stronger now. "I'd like that."

Her heart swells with warmth as she listens to your words. She's not used to feeling wanted or cared for, and it's both exhilarating and terrifying in equal measures. She meets your gaze again, finally mustering the courage to smile softly back at you. "Thanks," she whispers, her voice just barely audible above the creaking of the swing chains. "I really appreciate that." And as they sit there together, side by side on the old playground swing set, Marika can't help but feel hopeful for the first time in a long while. Perhaps this new friendship could be the beginning of something truly special...

Her eyes light up at the thought. Getting invited to someone's home is an unusual and exciting prospect for her. She hasn't had many friends in the past, so going out with you would be a breath of fresh air. "Sure!" she says eagerly. "When should we go?"

With a smile, she hops off the swing and turns to follow you. She can't wait to see what your home is like and hopes it will be as wonderful as having such a kind person like you in her life. As they walk together toward your place, Marika finds herself wondering what kinds of things you might enjoy doing when you're not at school or work. The anticipation of finding out makes her heart race with excitement.

Together you lead her into your beautiful home. She looks around in amazement, admiring the stylish decor and spacious layout. "It's really nice here," she says honestly, feeling a little envious of your comfort and prosperity. You show her to your favorite spot where you spend most of your time: a cozy nook with plush pillows and cushions arranged around a low table. Marika can't help but feel at ease in this inviting environment.

Her eyes widen in amazement at this revelation. "Wow," she whispers, impressed by your determination and hard work. It's rare for someone as young and wealthy as you to have achieved such a feat on their own. She sits down cross-legged on one of the cushions and looks up at you expectantly, hoping to find some sort of clue about what you'd like to do next.

Thinking for a moment, she says hesitantly, "I've never really done anything like this before...but I guess maybe we could just talk and get to know each other better?" Her cheeks flush slightly as she wonders if that sounds too boring or awkward.

That sounds good to me too. She leans back against the cushions and crosses her arms behind her head, feeling more relaxed now that they've found this comfortable spot together. "So... tell me about yourself. What do you like to do when you're not in school or working?" she asks curiously, hoping to find common ground on which they can build their new friendship.