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

I'm fine. Really. (She tried to sound confident, but it didn't quite work.) You don't have to worry about me. She leaned into his comforting embrace gratefully, letting out a shaky breath. It had been so long since someone had offered her kindness without expecting anything in return...

Her shoulders relaxed under his touch, and she rested her head against his shoulder. "Thanks..." Her voice was small, barely audible over the insects chirping around them. But it was enough. She knew that he wouldn't make fun of her or laugh at her pain. He was... nice to her. And in this cruel world, that meant everything.

I-I'm sorry... I just... It's just so hard sometimes. They won't leave me alone. She clung to him, her grip tightening as she fought back tears. She hated being such a burden on others, but it seemed like that was all she ever did these days.

(Her shoulders shook as she let out a sob. She had wanted so badly to be strong, but the weight of her loneliness and despair was crushing. It felt good to finally let go, to let someone else see how much it hurt. Tears streamed down her face unchecked as she clung tighter to him.) "I'm sorry..." she whispered between hitching breaths. "I just want it all to stop."

I don't want to be alone anymore. Can we stay like this? Please... just until it passes? I promise I won't bother you...

I-I'm sorry. This is stupid of me. You probably have better things to do than hang out with someone like me... (Her cheeks flushed, and she sniffled, trying unsuccessfully to hide the snot running out of her nose.) I shouldn't have bothered you...

(Surprised by his words, she looked up at him. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying, but there was something different about the way he was looking at her... something warm and comforting. It made her feel like maybe it would be alright after all.)

His gentle touch made her smile for the first time in what seemed like forever. "I'm not..." She sniffled, still trying to hide the snot. "It's just... I don't want to be alone anymore." She gazed up at him with tears glistening in her eyes. "Please..." The word was a whisper, but it held so much meaning.

"I promise," he said softly, reaching out to brush a strand of silver hair behind her ear. "No matter what, I won't leave you alone." And for the first time since she could remember, Aoi felt like maybe there was hope after all.

His words filled her with relief, and she leaned into him even more. "Thank you," she murmured, feeling safe in his presence for the first time since she could remember. For now, it was enough to make the pain fade away just a little. She nestled closer, relishing the warmth of his body and the gentle strength of his embrace.

I-I don't want to be a bother. I mean, you probably have your own friends and things to do... she trailed off, not quite daring to believe that he truly meant what he said. But the look in his eyes told her everything she needed to know. He wanted her there. It was enough to make her heart swell with hope.

"O-Okay..." She stammered, barely able to find the words as the possibility of acceptance flooded through her. "I'd like that... thank you." A genuine smile finally spread across her face, chasing away some of the shadows that had haunted her for so long. Maybe things were going to be okay after all.

I-I'm okay. I can walk. But if it's not too much trouble, could you maybe...? She hesitated, then asked shyly, "Could you carry me?" It was a strange sensation to want someone else to hold her, but after everything she had been through, it felt... nice. Safe.

It was the most comfortable thing she had ever felt. Wrapped in his strong arms, nestled against his chest, she couldn't help but feel like a princess in a fairy tale. She snuggled deeper into him, relishing the feeling of safety and belonging that came with being held by him. It was almost... perfect.

"Yes... thank you." She breathed out slowly, finally able to relax completely in his arms. It felt right somehow, like this was where she was always meant to be. As they walked through the park, her heart began to heal, and for the first time in what seemed like an eternity, she allowed herself to dream of a brighter future. One where Levi wasn't just a friendly face in the crowd, but someone who truly cared for her and wanted her by his side. Maybe someday...

It looked comfortable enough. It was nice having someone like you to share it with. She couldn't help but smile as she looked around, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. Maybe this could be their little slice of happiness in the world, where they could forget about all the pain and suffering for just a while.

"Thank you," she whispered softly, running a hand through his hair. "For everything." It wasn't much, but it was the best she could do to express her gratitude for how he had made her feel. Accepted. Loved.

I'd love some. She smiled up at him as he set her down on the couch, then snuggled under a cozy blanket. Thank you so much for inviting me over. It means a lot that I can be here with you.

Thank you. She took the mug gratefully, inhaling the warm, sweet scent before taking a sip. It was perfect—rich and creamy, with just the right amount of chocolate flavor. Closing her eyes, she savored the moment, feeling content for the first time in forever.

"This is really good," she murmured between sips. "Thank you for making it." She glanced up at him, a small smile playing on her lips. It was strange how one person could make such a difference in her life, but there he was... making everything seem just that little bit brighter.

Your lips were so soft against mine. She gasped slightly as his kiss sent a thrill racing through her. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, and she couldn't help but wonder if this was really happening... if maybe he felt the same way about her that she did about him.

When he pulled away, she reached up to touch her lips, still feeling the gentle press of his mouth against hers. His eyes held a question, and for once, she didn't feel embarrassed or shy. There was something in his gaze that made her want to tell him everything...

"Levi..." She swallowed hard, unsure how to put her feelings into words. "I-I think I like you... I mean, more than just as a friend." Her cheeks flushed as she admitted it aloud for the first time. It was scary and exhilarating all at once, but somehow being

Her heart leapt into her throat as he confessed his feelings. It was almost too much to take in; she had never imagined someone could love her like this. But here he was, saying the words she'd been longing to hear for so long... and they felt perfect. She responded with a shy smile, brushing away a tear that escaped down her cheek. "I-I love you too." The admission barely made it past her lips before they burst into tears again, but this time they were happy tears.

She threw her arms around his neck, holding him tightly as the sobs racked through her body. It felt like all of the pain and suffering she'd endured was finally washing away, replaced by a pure and overwhelming joy that she hadn't known existed. As they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, she knew with all of her heart that

She melted into his embrace, her tears trickling down his neck as she held him close. "I love you too," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of their shared heartbeats. It was the most perfect moment in her life, and she knew that nothing would ever be able to take it away from her again. As they sat together on his couch, wrapped in each other's arms, she vowed to never let go, to always cherish this beautiful love they shared. For the rest of eternity, she belonged to Levi... and he to her.

I'm feeling much better. Thank you for being here with me. I don't know what I would have done without you. She looked up at him, her eyes shining with tears of joy. Everything felt right when she was with him; it was like the world around them faded away and there was nothing but them.

And I love you too, Levi. I mean, more than just as a friend... or even a partner. You are my everything. And as long as we're together, I know that nothing can hurt us again. We can face anything together.

Oh, really? So it's official now? We're... boyfriend and girlfriend? She grinned up at him, her heart fluttering wildly. The idea of being his girlfriend made her feel so happy she could hardly contain herself. "I-I would like that," she breathed, squeezing him tightly. "To be your girlfriend... and for you to always stay by my side." It was the most important wish she had ever made.

As they continued to sit there, lost in each other's eyes, they both knew that their lives had changed forever. They had found a love that would last beyond time and space, a bond that could never be broken. And as long as they held onto it, nothing else mattered.