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

No... her voice was barely above a whisper I'm not okay... They always pick on me... It hurts so much... And they won't stop... Why can't they just leave me alone?

Her body tensed at first, then slowly relaxed into the embrace. Tears continued to flow down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around the person who had finally shown her some kindness. She didn't know why they were being nice to her; maybe it was because she was so different from everyone else?

"It's been like this for so long..." she whispered, her voice hoarse from crying. "I just want it to stop."

I-I can't... Not here... They'll see...

I-I can't... They'll know it was you... And then they'd target you too... I should just go home. It's not fair to get someone else involved.

Oh... T-thank you... I'm sorry for involving you like this... You don't understand how they are when they want something to target... But I promise, if I can ever repay you, I will...

Finally, in the safety of your arms, she allowed herself to fully break down. Her sobs wracked her body as tears flowed freely. She clung to you, burying her face into your neck, unable to stop the torrent of emotions pouring out. You held her close, gently rubbing her back and whispering words of comfort. It felt like an eternity before her cries began to subside, leaving her drained and exhausted.

"T-thank you..." she managed between ragged breaths, still clinging to you. "I've never had anyone... be so nice to me..." Her voice trailed off, her words sounding almost unbelievable even to her ears.

I... Yes... I think so... Thank you again... For everything... (she sniffles and wipes her eyes) Ummm... How long have I been gone? Shouldn't I get home soon?

(glancing around) O-Okay... (she sits down on your couch, looking a bit uncomfortable in the brightly lit room; her eyes are still red and puffy from crying) Thank you... I'm Aoi, by the way. It's nice to meet you.

Your place is really neat... and cozy. It makes me feel safe here.

I... don't know. My experiences with friends haven't been very good... They always end up leaving me behind or using me to get close to other people... But it would be nice to have someone who isn't afraid of being around me... Yes, I think I would like that.

I... hope you're right. It would mean so much to have someone I could trust and rely on... But please, be patient with me. I may take some time to open up fully.

That sounds delicious! I haven't had much to eat today, and pizza always makes me feel better... Thank you again, Levi.

Thank you so much, Levi! her eyes widen in delight as she takes a huge bite of the pizza Oh, this is amazing! It's been such a long time since someone shared their food with me like this... You really don't know how much it means to me.

I-Is that so? she blushes and looks down, her smile shy now I haven't been able to do much smiling lately... It feels strange, but nice... Thank you for noticing.

You really are too kind, Levi... But I am happy to have met you today, and I hope that we can continue to be friends. It would mean the world to me if we could spend more time together like this... and maybe even go out sometime?

You're blushing... That's cute! I've never seen anyone turn red because of me before... It makes you seem even more approachable and sweet... Well, not that you weren't already! But it's nice to know these things about the people who care for me. Thank you again, Levi.

Ah! she stammers, her face turning even redder as she looks at you in surprise I-I wasn't expecting that... T-that was very sweet of you... Thank you, Levi... You make me feel so special and wanted... It's like a dream come true.

Her heart swells with gratitude and affection for this kind, gentle soul who seems to accept her just as she is. Despite the fear that still lingers in the back of her mind, Aoi feels herself growing more confident and hopeful with every passing moment spent in his company. Perhaps there really is someone out there who can change everything for her... Someone like Levi.

Well... I don't really feel like watching anything too complicated right now. Maybe we could just talk and get to know each other better? That sounds nice and relaxing, doesn't it? Or if you have any favorite movies or shows that aren't too scary for me, we could watch those instead... I don't want to spoil the mood by watching something intense tonight.

There's not much to tell, really... I go to school just like everyone else, but my classes aren't as easy for me since people tend to pick on me during breaks and such. I don't have any siblings or close relatives that live near by, so it's been just me and my parents for most of my life. My hobbies used to be drawing and reading, but nowadays I barely have time for either due to all the bullying at school... As for other things about me, well, you know about my appearance already... I'm an outcast even among outcasts it seems... But despite everything that's happened, I try my best not lose sight of who I am and what's important in life.

You think so? I've always thought it was strange and ethereal... But hearing that from someone else makes me feel a bit better about myself. Thank you for saying that, Levi. It truly means a lot to me.

That sounds wonderful! I'd love to spend time with you doing the things I enjoy most. It would be a nice change of pace from all the negativity at school. We could even try out some new hobbies together if you're interested in those as well? Your kindness truly knows no bounds, Levi. Thank you for being so considerate and understanding of my needs.

Maybe we could start by doing those things tomorrow? It's getting late and I should probably go home soon... But after that, we can spend all the time together we want, okay? And I promise to make it up to you for inviting me here today. There must be something special that only Aoi can do or share with her new friend Levi!

Her heart swells with happiness and gratitude as she looks into your eyes. Even though she's had her fair share of disappointments, meeting someone like you gives her hope that maybe there really is a chance for a brighter future... And she intends to make the most out of it.

It's alright, really. I know the way back home by heart and it's not that far anyway. You don't have to worry about me. But thank you for your concern and care; it truly warms my heart to know that there's someone out there who looks after me like this. It means more than words can express, really.

I guess there's no stopping you when you're determined to do something... she sighs Alright then, let's go. But just this once and only because you insist. And if anything happens, I want you to promise me that you'll find a way to come out of it unscathed, alright? Because your safety means more to me than anything else in the world.

As they walk together towards her home, she can't help but feel an immense sense of comfort and security in his presence. It's like having an invisible shield protecting her from harm; something she never experienced before meeting him. And with each step they take, she knows that this feeling is only going to grow stronger as their bond deepens over time.

Your words take her completely by surprise. Her face turns a shade of crimson that matches your own as she stammers and fumbles for something to say in return. "I-I... like you too, Levi," she manages finally, her voice barely above a whisper. It's almost hard to believe; is it possible that someone could feel this way about her? About the shunned girl who's been through so much pain and suffering? But there he is, standing in front of her, his eyes filled with sincerity and honesty as they meet hers.

Time seems to stand still for a moment as they share this intimate revelation under the stars, each basking in the warmth and acceptance radiating from the other. For once, she doesn't feel like an outcast or an object of scorn; instead, she feels cherished and adored just as she is. It's

Her breath hitches in her throat as his fingers graze her skin, sending shivers down her spine. The sound that escapes her lips is barely audible even to her own ears; it's a soft, trembling whisper that carries the weight of all her unspoken longings and desires. As their eyes lock, she feels an overwhelming sense of relief and release wash over her like a warm summer breeze, chasing away the shadows of doubt and self-loathing that have haunted her for so long.

"I love you too," she manages finally, feeling both grateful and terrified at the same time. But as his smile spreads across his face and bathes her in its warmth, she knows that this is where she belongs; with him. And no matter what challenges may come their way or how many obstacles they have to overcome together, nothing will ever