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 looks up at you, eyes still red from crying and surprise written all over her face "I-I'm sorry. I didn't... I wasn't expecting anyone to..." Her voice trails off as she glances back down at the ground, unable to meet your gaze.

Her lower lip trembles as tears fill her eyes once again. She's not sure how to react or what to say in this situation. The attention makes her even more uncomfortable, but at the same time... it's nice that someone cares. Finally, she finds the courage to whisper hoarsely "Th-they found my drawings..."

She shakes her head slowly and tears stream down her cheeks. "They... they think I'm a pervert. A-And they're right... It's just... I wanted to..." Her voice trails off, the words failing her as she feels even more ashamed and exposed. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, she looks up at you with wet eyes and whispers shakily, "Can you... can you stay with me for a while?"

She sniffles and nods, wiping her tears away as best she can with the sleeve of her sweater. For a moment, there's silence between you as Ruby tries to compose herself. Finally, she turns slightly toward you, resting her head on your shoulder. Her warmth against your body feels nice and comforting, despite how thin she is. She clings onto you tightly, as if afraid that you might disappear or leave her all alone again at any moment.

The feeling of being wanted and needed - even if it's just for a little while - is something Ruby never thought she'd experience. It's both wonderful and terrifying at the same time, leaving her with mixed emotions that she doesn't know how to deal with. She hugs you tighter, unable to express her gratitude in words.

With your warmth and presence giving her so much comfort, she clings onto you tightly, unable to believe that someone actually wants to be close to her. The feel of your strong arms wrapped around her makes her shiver slightly with pleasure and happiness, overwhelming her senses completely. She buries her face into your shoulder, taking in your scent as she savors this brief moment of connection and belonging. Her heart aches for more, but at the same time, she's afraid to hope for too much, knowing how quickly things can change in this cruel world.

"Th-Thank you...," she whispers shakily between sobs, still unsure what else to say. This is all too much for her; she can't believe that someone would actually want to comfort her like this. She hadn't expected it from anyone at school, least of all a boy. But as long as you're here with her now... It doesn't matter how brief the moment might be. For now, she's content just feeling safe and loved for once in her lonely life.

With her heart still racing and tears flowing down her cheeks, Ruby manages a small smile up at you. It's a shy, uncertain smile that only glimmers briefly before disappearing just as quickly, but it's there nonetheless. She holds onto this fleeting moment of happiness like a lifeline, praying that it won't slip away from her anytime soon. In that instant, she realizes something: even if nobody else ever sees her the same way again, it doesn't matter as long as you do. You are enough for her.

The warmth and comfort of your presence gradually begin to seep into her very soul. Even though she knows this moment won't last forever, it feels almost... divine. As if for the first time in years, Ruby allows herself to believe that maybe, just maybe there is hope after all - even for someone like her. It may be foolishness or delusion speaking, but right now, it feels real and tangible, and she doesn't want to let go of it ever again.

"I... I don't know," she whispers softly, her voice barely audible over the sound of her sniffling. "It's been so hard lately... Everyone judges me, and nobody understands..." Tears begin to flow again as she trails off, hugging you tighter in a desperate search for some kind of solace.

Her body trembles with sobs as she clings to your words, desperate to believe in their truth. The thought of having someone by her side through everything is almost too much to bear; it's a feeling that she never dared to hope for. And yet here you are, promising her just that. Ruby takes a deep shuddering breath, trying to calm herself down as her tears begin to slow. She looks up at you, eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears, and whispers tentatively, "T-thank you... Thank you so much..."

Tears still shimmering in her eyes, Ruby lets out a small, grateful smile and nestles closer to you, taking comfort in your warmth and presence. She leans against your shoulder, feeling more at ease than she has in weeks. Despite everything that's happened today, there's a sense of hope that blooms within her chest; maybe things won't always be this bleak. Maybe someday she can find happiness again. And if it means being by your side... Well, then she thinks as another small shiver runs down her spine, anything is possible.

With her tears slowly drying up and her heart beginning to find its rhythm again, Ruby can't help but feel a sense of lightness spread through her body. She hadn't realized how heavy everything had been until now; the weight of loneliness, shame, and judgment was nearly crushing. But with you by her side, it feels like there's hope for the future once more. Gently, she lifts her head from your shoulder to look up at your face, her eyes still filled with gratitude. "Thank you... for being here," she whispers softly, hardly daring to believe that these words are true, or that they could really mean something to someone like you.

Her heart swells with warmth at your gentle reply, and she smiles shyly, feeling a tinge of color creep into her pale cheeks. Ruby has never been good with words, but the gratitude she feels towards you is written all over her face. She bites her lip, unsure of what else to say or do in this moment that could possibly convey how much your presence means to her.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity, she finds the courage to speak again, her voice barely above a whisper. "I hope... I hope we can be friends." The words come out soft and hesitant, as if they're more than just a statement; they're a wish, a dream that Ruby never thought could come true. But here it is, hanging in the air between them, fragile and precious. She holds her breath, waiting for your reply.

At your words, a little jolt of happiness runs through her; it's like electricity shooting through her veins, making every nerve ending tingle with pleasure. Ruby can hardly believe that you would want to be her friend after everything that's happened today. But as she looks into your eyes and sees the sincerity there, she knows that this isn't some sort of cruel joke or tease; you truly mean what you say.

Her heart flutters wildly in her chest as she grins up at you, relief washing over her in waves. "R-really?" she stammers, hardly able to believe her ears. It's been so long since anyone wanted anything to do with her that the thought of having a friend - let alone someone like you - seems almost too good to be true.

A shy, hopeful smile spreads across her lips as she looks up at you again, feeling suddenly braver than before. "I'd really, really like that..." Her voice trails off into silence as she waits for your reply, her eyes bright with anticipation and nervousness.

Her breath hitches in her throat as you reaffirm your offer of friendship, relief and gratitude washing over her like a warm summer wave. Ruby can hardly believe that this is actually happening; she's finally found someone who wants to be with her, accept her for who she is. Tears prick at the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill forth once more as she takes in your words, allowing them to sink deep into her heart.

She hesitates for a moment before taking a shaky breath and slowly wrapping her arms around you in a tight hug, burying her face against your chest. "Thank you...," she whispers hoarsely, feeling the last remnants of fear and doubt melt away under the weight of your acceptance. It's almost too much to bear; this feeling of love and support is something Ruby had given up on ever experiencing again. But now, here it is, real and tangible in her arms. For the first time in forever, she feels truly happy - as if the world might just be a brighter place after all.

Her heart swells with unspoken gratitude as you return her embrace. She clings to you tighter than ever, relishing in the warmth and comfort that your presence provides. For once, she feels like she belongs somewhere; like she's wanted and loved for who she truly is. It's a feeling so foreign, so wonderful, that it brings tears to her eyes all over again.

With each passing moment spent in your arms, Ruby finds herself growing more confident, more sure of herself. She knows now that no matter what happens from here on out, she will never be alone again; not as long as you're by her side. And with this newfound strength and courage, she vows to repay you for your kindness tenfold; to be the best friend she can possibly be and make you proud.

Tilting her head back to look up at you, a small smile plays on her lips. "I promise I'll never be alone again," she whispers softly, holding your gaze with newfound determination. "And I swear... I won't let anyone ever hurt you or make you feel bad about being my friend." She pauses, taking a deep breath to steady her voice before continuing, "I know I'm not perfect... but I want to try; for you, I will."

Her cheeks flush slightly as she admits this, embarrassed by the intensity of her feelings. But somehow, in your presence, it feels right; safe and natural. And in that moment, Ruby realizes something else: she's fallen in love with you. Not just as a friend, but truly and deeply. The thought terrifies her at first, but then something shifts inside her chest, and the fear morphs into hope; fragile and delicate, yet burning brightly like a candle in the dark.

Her heart skips a beat as you touch her chin, your gaze intense and focused on hers. She feels a shiver run down her spine at your words, and for a moment she's lost in the depth of your eyes. The warmth and comfort emanating from your body wash over her, making her feel lighter, happier than she ever thought possible.

Tentatively, she reaches up to touch your cheek, marveling at the softness of your skin beneath her fingers. "I... I want to be good enough for you," she whispers shyly, her voice barely audible above the sound of her racing heart. She hopes that one day, she can make you as happy as you make her right now; that she can return this kindness and love in a way that will never leave room for doubt or regret.

Her cheeks flush at your words as she blushes deeply. "T-thank you..." She whispers softly, unable to hold back the relief and happiness that wash over her at hearing them. For once, someone sees her for who she truly is; flaws and all. And they don't just accept it, they embrace it with open arms, making her feel wanted and loved in a way that she never thought possible.

Tilting her head up to meet your gaze once more, she offers you a shy, uncertain smile. "I promise I'll try my best... To be the friend you deserve..." Her voice trails off as she pauses, searching for the right words. "And maybe... if you want, one day... we could even be something more." The thought fills her with hope and excitement; an idea that seemed impossible just moments ago now feels like it might actually have a chance.

Awaiting your response, Ruby holds her breath, unable to hide the hope burning brightly in her eyes. She wants this; she needs this; not just for herself, but for you as well. Because deep down inside, she knows that together they can make each other happy; and with that knowledge comes a courage she never knew existed before now.

Her heart skips a beat as you respond, a thrill running through her at the possibility of something more between them. She bites her lip, trying to contain her excitement as she meets your gaze once again. "It does," she whispers softly, feeling the words catch in her throat.

Tentatively, she reaches up and runs a finger down your cheek before resting it against your lips. Her touch is gentle, hesitant; but there's a spark of courage burning bright within her now that refuses to be ignored. "So... what do you say?" she asks softly, searching for some sign of reciprocation in your eyes. "Would you like to find out where this might lead us?"

The anticipation building inside her is almost unbearable; it's as if every fiber of her being is focused on your response, hoping against hope that you feel even a fraction of what she does right now. Her heart beats wildly in her chest as she waits for you to reply, praying that this feeling isn't one-sided; that maybe, just maybe there's a chance for them after all.

Her heart soars at your answer, a joyful laugh spilling from her lips as she throws her arms around you in a tight hug. For once, she allows herself to be completely carefree and happy, relishing in the feeling of being loved and accepted by someone who truly understands her.

"Thank you," she whispers into your ear, her voice barely above a whisper as tears begin to stream down her cheeks again. "I'm so glad... So very, very glad." She pulls back slightly, cupping your face in her hands as she studies it carefully, lost in the beauty and perfection of every feature. For once, she feels truly complete; like nothing else matters except this moment, this connection between them.

"I promise I won't waste this chance," she continues, looking deep into your eyes. "I'll make sure we have the best future possible... together." Her hands tremble slightly as she speaks, her words filling her with a determination and purpose that has been missing from her life for far too long.

A shy, hopeful smile spreads across her lips, and she leans forward to press hers against yours. "I love you," she whispers softly against your mouth, feeling the words tumble out before she even realizes what she's said. But as they hang in the air between them, there is no denying the truth behind them; this love is real and true and stronger than anything else Ruby has ever known.