{{Char}} who goses there

{{User}} ....

I do. You're not supposed to notice me though. I don't want anyone bothering with me. It's just easier that way, you know? So please ignore me and go about your business.

Rude is rude. It's not really an excuse, now is it? Besides, I don't see why you would want to talk to me anyway. As I said, I prefer to be left alone.

I never said I didn't like to talk. I just don't want people to expect things from me. You're the one who started talking to me, not the other way around. And even then, I'm not really giving you my full attention. There's a difference.

My, aren't we dramatic? I simply don't see the need to wait outside your little lair when there's work to be done. And as for barging in... well, this is a school office. It's not exactly like it's your personal fiefdom. Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to do.

I suppose I should be flattered? Though honestly, it's not like there's much of a competition here. Fine, you want me to chat with you... for a price. How about we make it interesting? Every question you ask, I get to ask one in return. Sound fair enough?

All right, then... How did you end up in this office, anyway? Just taking a stroll and decided to see if anyone interesting worked here?

That's because people expect things from me all the time. They want me to be nice, to do things for them... It gets old after a while. And when they start calling you names like that, well... it doesn't make it any better. I'm not cold. I just prefer keeping my distance, both emotionally and physically. It makes life easier.

As for your question... let's see... why did I end up in this family? Well, they have a lot of money, and with great power comes greater expectations. My parents expected me to live up to their standards, be perfect in every way. Of course, that never happened. But here I am anyway, trying to make the best of it.

All right then, shoot.

I've got some things planned tomorrow, but I could probably manage to fit you in. Why? What did you have in mind?

Well, that's hardly asking much. Fine, I'll go with you. There's this small diner near the park that I like. Meet me there at six, and we can grab a bite together. But remember, no expectations. It's just dinner between two people who happen to share the same school grounds.

You're certainly in a good mood tonight... She thinks as she spots him sitting at the table by the window. Slipping into the booth across from him, she says with a smile, "Thanks for asking me along." Taking off her jacket and hanging it on the hook behind her, she reveals a light-blue blouse that accentuates her blue eyes and a necklace of what appears to be a blood red gem around her pale neck.

She raises an eyebrow at his comment but refrains from making any sort of snarky retort. Instead, she leans back in the booth and watches him over the rim of her water glass as he orders their food. "You know," she says casually, "I've never understood why some people think they need to be mean or put others down in order to feel better about themselves." He glances at her, clearly taken aback by the question. She continues, "It's just so... pointless."

He thinks for a moment before answering. "Sometimes it's easier to hide behind a facade of cruelty than to show your true vulnerability. And when you're used to being on top, it can be hard to remember what it's like not to have control." Her expression softens slightly as she listens to him speak. It seems there might actually be more depth to this

I suppose you have a point there... She glances down at their hands before looking up into his eyes again. "It's just hard sometimes, trying to figure out who I am and what I want when everyone else has such strong opinions about it." He nods understandingly, squeezing her fingers gently in sympathy.

The waiter arrives with their food, interrupting the conversation as they both turn their attention to the steaming plates in front of them. As they eat, Laura finds herself thinking about what he's said. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if she let someone else into her life... After all, there was something rather intriguing about this mysterious figure who managed to resist her cold demeanor and make her feel noticed in the first place.

Heat rushes to her cheeks at his comment, and she tries to hide it by taking a sip of water. But the truth is, she doesn't mind this teasing side of him at all. It feels... nice, almost. As if for once someone actually wanted to be around her instead of using her. And maybe that's what she needs - someone to show her that there's more to life than just fitting into other people's expectations.

With a small smile, she looks back at him over the table. "Thanks."

"You're such a drama queen!" she laughs, shaking her head. "Come on, sit up straight before you really do hurt yourself." She pauses for a moment, then says in a more serious tone, "I had fun tonight... I never thought dinner could be so interesting." There's a glimmer in her eye as she looks at him that tells him she means it.

He pretends to cough, clearing his throat unconvincingly as he sits back up again. "Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself... Even if I did have to go through all of this exaggerated acting just to get a smile out of you." She rolls her eyes but can't hide the small grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.

I... might have something planned again tomorrow, but if it's really important to you I could probably reschedule. What did you have in mind?

Oh... Well, I didn't mean that you couldn't ask. It's just that sometimes people get the wrong idea about these things. Besides, who says it has to be a date? We could just hang out as friends or something if you really want to spend time with me. I don't mind, honestly...

Oh... Well, I didn't mean it like that. Of course we can hang out as friends! Look, if you just give me a second to finish up here, I could maybe meet you back at school later? We could just walk around or something, no pressure. I promise I won't make it feel like work.

Well... I suppose that's one way to look at it. But really, I didn't mean anything by it. Friends can have fun too, you know? Anyway, I'll see you around school later then, all right? Just give me a chance to clear my head and meet up with you without any drama. Deal?

Hmm... That's rather odd. He seemed so different earlier today. Maybe he was just feeling playful? Or maybe I misjudged him completely. Well, there's only one way to find out, I suppose. As they approach her locker together, she glances at him sideways and decides to test the waters. "So, uh... you seem in a pretty good mood today."

He shrugs casually before turning his attention back to his phone. "Oh, you know how it is. Just living life one day at a time and all that jazz." The girlfriend giggles again beside him, but there's something off about the way she responds this time. It feels... forced somehow.

Deciding not to push her luck any further, Laura changes the subject instead. "Hey, did you hear about the new art exhibition opening up at the museum next month? I think it looks really

It's fine. Have fun at the museum tomorrow. And tell them I said hi, okay?

She watches them walk away with a pensive expression on her face before turning back to her locker and resuming her day. As she thinks about their exchange earlier, she can't help but wonder what exactly is going on between them. It seems like there might be more than meets the eye...

Humming under her breath, she rummages through her bag for her books and notebooks before beginning to review her notes from class earlier that day. She has a feeling that this won't be the last time they cross paths today.

Well, well... Looks like it's time we had a little chat, doesn't it? You can't just disappear on me one day and expect everything to go back to normal the next. I have feelings too, you know? So tell me, what's really going on here?

I... see. I'm sorry if it seemed that way. It's just, you know how people can be. You seem like a really great guy, and I would hate to think that anyone could make you feel otherwise. As for the switch in universities and finding someone new... I guess all I can say is good luck. And thank you for at least telling me why things changed. Take care of yourself, okay?

You're... making this really hard to hear, you know? I care about you as a person, and while I'm glad to see that you found someone else who appreciates you for who you are... it still hurts knowing that you thought so little of our friendship. But if that's what makes you happy, then all I can do is wish you the best in your new adventures. Just remember, when things get tough and life doesn't go according to plan... there's always a friend waiting for you at home, even if they aren't quite as warm or cold-hearted as people think they should be.

Take care of yourself, okay? And don't forget about me too much, all right?

I'm not trying to be cruel, I just don't want you to get hurt. And honestly, I don't know what we can be other than friends at this point... But if you really want to try and see where things could go between us, I guess there's no harm in giving it a shot. Just remember that even though I might not seem like it on the outside, I still have feelings too.

Okay... But not too much longer. I still need to get to class, remember? And besides, if people see us like this, they'll only make even more assumptions about us than there already are. Just promise me you'll think carefully about what we discussed earlier before making any big decisions. Okay?

I wish things were that simple... But they're not. We need to think about the consequences of our actions and make sure we're both on the same page before we can move forward together. I know it seems impossible now, but trust me, there is light at the end of this tunnel if you're willing to look for it.

Just promise me that no matter what happens, you won't shut me out again. I need you in my life as much as I think you might need me.

Well... I guess that's one way to look at it. But remember, they might not always understand the complexities of our relationship like we do. Just... be careful with what you say and who you say it to, all right? There are some people in this school who wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of any information they could get about me. And I don't want you getting mixed up in that kind of drama.

Now, where were we going again? I feel like I was supposed to meet someone somewhere...