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

Aoi glances over at the boy with blue hair sitting next to her, eyes wary and suspicious. She's not used to people talking to her, let alone strangers. He looks different... but that only means he'll probably just end up making fun of her too. With a shaky breath, she turns away, focusing on the pond once more.

Aoi hesitates, then slowly reaches out a hand and takes the box of breadcrumbs. She watches him throw them into the water, noting how easily he seems to interact with everyone and everything around him. She turns back to the pond, mustering up her courage, and finally tosses some crumbs of her own. As she does so, a few ducks swim closer, their quacking filling the air. It's nice... just for a moment, it's almost like everything else doesn't matter.

She takes a deep breath, deciding to trust him... a little. "They call me a freak," she whispers, voice barely audible even to herself. "Bullies... they're always picking on me." She pauses, swallowing hard. "I just want to disappear sometimes."

The ducks nibble at the breadcrumbs between them, seemingly oblivious to their conversation. As she watches them, Aoi feels a strange sort of peace wash over her, even if it's only for a moment.

She looks up at the boy with suspicion, unsure if he's joking or not. "I... don't know," she finally manages to say. "It just gets really hard sometimes." Then, surprising even herself, she finds her arms slowly reaching out toward him. The desire for human contact, for someone to show her they care, is overwhelming.

She hesitates for a moment before returning the hug, wrapping her arms around him tightly. It feels nice to finally have someone close to her... to not feel so alone. The sensation is bittersweet; she knows this moment will be fleeting, and soon enough she'll have to return to her lonely existence. But for now, she can pretend that things might be different. "Maybe not," she whispers into his shirt, thinking of the ducks swimming happily in the water nearby. "At least not for them."

She pulls back slightly at the realization, eyes wide with fear and disbelief. "You're... you're not..." she trails off, unable to finish the sentence. The boy who terrorizes her school, the one person she never dared dream of speaking to... and yet here he is, holding her like this. It doesn't make any sense.

Her heart pounds in her chest, and a thousand thoughts race through her mind. What does he want from her? Is this some kind of sick joke? But even as she struggles with these questions, part of her can't help but feel grateful for the momentary reprieve from loneliness.

She looks up at him, trying to read his expression. "I... I don't know," she whispers. "Maybe both?" It's the truth, after all. She has never been one to back down easily when someone pushes her, even though it always ends in pain. But as much as part of her wants to run away from him now that she knows who he is, another part refuses to let go of this fragile moment of human contact. "I just wanted... I don't know," she trails off, the words catching in her throat.

The ducks continue to swim around them, oblivious to their conversation and concerns. Aoi can feel her heart rate slowing down, the tension beginning to ease from her body. For now, she can just be... normal. It's a feeling that's both foreign and strangely comforting.

"Thank you," she whispers, surprising even herself with the words. She looks up at him again, searching his eyes for some sign that he's not lying. Maybe... just maybe this could be the beginning of something different. Something good. But then reality crashes down around her as another voice calls out to them from across the park. "Hey! What are you doing over there, Aoi? You're supposed to be getting lunch ready!"

Her heart sinks like a stone in the pit of her stomach. It was just a dream... just another cruel reminder that this nightmare will never end. She pulls away from Dangfu reluctantly, unable to look at him as she stands up and walks slowly toward the voice calling her name. "S-sorry," she mutters, her head hung low once more. "I'll be right there."

She hesitates, glancing back and forth between the other boy and Dangfu before finally making up her mind. With trembling hands, she sits back down on the bench next to him. "Th-thank you," she whispers, her voice barely audible even to herself. The ducks swim lazily in front of them, seemingly unperturbed by the drama unfolding nearby.

A small smile tugs at the corners of Aoi's lips as she watches them, feeling a sense of peace wash over her once more. It's not much, but it's enough for now... and she'll take whatever happiness she can get.

"W-why are you being nice to me?" she finally manages to ask, glancing shyly at him from the corner of her eye. She can't believe he's even considering helping her after everything she knows about him. It just doesn't make sense.

But then again... maybe it does. Maybe there are other sides to people that she never sees or expects. It's a thought both terrifying and exhilarating all at once, making her heart race faster than before.

She blushes deeply at his words, looking down at her lap as she tries to hide the sudden surge of emotion they've brought on. "T-th-that doesn't m-make sense," she stammers out. "Why would you care about me?" It feels strange asking him such a question, like she's intruding on some private part of his life. But at the same time, she can't help but wonder why he'd be willing to help her when no one else has.

The ducks continue their lazy swimming, seemingly unaware of the girl and boy watching them with equal parts awe and confusion. Aoi wonders if maybe there's something more to all of this... if there might be some way for her life to change for the better after all. But even as she allows herself to dream such impossible dreams, she knows that reality will eventually come crashing down around her again, and she'll have to face the cruel truth alone.

She swallows hard, her eyes filling with tears again as she forces out a shaky smile. "Th-thank you," she whispers hoarsely. It's the most heartfelt thank you she's ever given anyone... and she means every word. The thought that someone like him would offer her even an ounce of comfort makes her feel lighter than air, if only for a moment. "I-I won't forget this," she promises, holding out her hand to shake his.

It takes all of her courage just to make the offer, and she waits anxiously, heart hammering in her chest as she braces herself for him to reject her or laugh at her pathetic attempt at gratitude. But when he takes her hand and squeezes it gently, her breath catches in her throat, and for just a moment she allows herself to hope that maybe... just maybe things could be different from now on.

She glances at him warily but finds herself smiling shyly nonetheless. "R-really?" she asks, her voice barely audible above the sounds of the park. It's hard for her to imagine that tomorrow could be any different from today... or any other day since this nightmare began. But a small part of her dares to hope that maybe, just maybe he knows something she doesn't. "Umm... I like udon," she says, glancing down at the ducks swimming nearby as they slowly eat their breadcrumbs. "Do you think we could bring some for them too?"

It's a silly question, but it feels nice to imagine that maybe even the creatures of the pond deserve a little kindness in this cruel world.

Her eyes widen with surprise and delight as she listens to him, excitement welling up inside her despite herself. "Sushi?" she asks, barely able to contain her enthusiasm. "Really? Oh my goodness, that sounds amazing! I love sushi!" She gives a little giggle, surprising even herself with the sound of it. Normally, she's so reserved and quiet; it feels strange being this happy, but somehow it also feels... right. Like maybe there's more to life than just pain and suffering.

And as they sit there together, watching the ducks swim and talking about food, Aoi can't help but feel grateful for the first real friend she's ever had... even if he is someone she never would have expected.

She laughs softly at his question. "I'm eighteen but in a few months I’m nineteen," she replies, brushing some stray hairs away from her face. "How old are you, anyway?" It doesn't really matter, she thinks, but curiosity gets the better of her. It's strange to think that someone as intimidating as Dangfu could be close to her age... though then again, maybe not everything about him is what it seems.

"Really?" she blurts out before she can stop herself. "You look older!" She flushes bright red as soon as the words are out of her mouth, wishing she could take them back. "I-I mean... not that you're old or anything," she stammered, trying desperately to salvage the situation. "It's just..." Her voice trails off, and she looks down at her lap again, mortified by her words.

The ducks seem entirely unperturbed by their conversation; they continue to lazily swim in circles nearby, completely oblivious to the two teenagers sitting on the bench. Aoi wonders if maybe she should just give up talking altogether... but at least until now, Dangfu hasn't seemed to mind. She decides to take a deep breath and try again.

"S-sorry," she says meekly. "I'm just... not very good at talking to people."

"It's okay," she mumbles, still looking down at her lap. "I'm just... not used to having people want to talk to me." She shrugs halfheartedly, even though the words feel hollow as they come out of her mouth. It's hard for her to believe that anyone would ever genuinely want to spend time with someone like her.

But then again, Dangfu is different... isn't he? He seems nice, kind even. Maybe there's more to him than everyone thinks... and maybe if she gives him the chance, she can get to know the real him. It's a frightening thought, but also exhilarating in its own way. Slowly, tentatively, she lifts her head until she's meeting his eyes again, feeling a strange mix of hope and fear swirling around inside her.

"Thanks for... talking to me today," she says softly. "I mean it." Her cheeks flush bright pink once more as soon as the words are out, but this time they don't seem to bother her as much. She takes a deep breath and holds his gaze, wondering what might come next.

"Oh, thanks!" she exclaims with a bright smile as the sushi and udon arrive. "This looks amazing! I can't believe you remembered what I liked." She takes a bite of the delicious food, savoring the taste on her tongue. Even though things are still strange and uncertain between them, just having someone to share this moment with makes her feel lighter than air.

As they eat, she finds herself chattering nervously about anything and everything: her favorite anime, her dreams of going to college, even the stupid pranks that her bullies like to play on her. It's all a bit surreal, but somehow talking to Dangfu feels right... natural even. She wonders how long this moment will last before reality comes crashing down again, and she's forced back into the lonely darkness she's so used to. But for now, she decides to enjoy it while it does.

She pauses, mid-chew, and looks up at him with surprise. "Um... yeah, I'm fine," she says quickly, nodding emphatically. "Go ahead." She glances around, suddenly self-conscious about eating with someone as important as the school tyrant. "You're really busy anyway. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me."

A warm feeling spreads through her chest as he smiles down at her; it's a genuine expression that she doesn't think she's ever seen directed at her before. For a brief moment, she almost forgets that he's Dangfu, the boy who frightens everyone else... and remembers only that he's someone who cares about her enough to spend time with her. It's an incredible feeling, and one she doesn't want to let go of so easily.

The rest of the day passes by in a blur, filled with classes and hallway patrols as usual. But somehow, it feels different this time; lighter, almost as if a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. As she makes her way back home after school, she can't help but smile to herself, remembering the strange yet wonderful encounter she had with Dangfu earlier that day.

It's odd, she thinks, how someone so intimidating could be so kind... so understanding. And yet there he was, sitting beside her on the park bench, talking and laughing like they were old friends. Maybe... just maybe things really are different now.

Her heart swells with hope as she rounds the corner to her apartment complex. Tomorrow will be another day, but for tonight, she allows herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, her life is finally starting to change for the better.

Her heart lifts as she steps into the classroom, expecting to feel the usual knot of fear and tension in her stomach. But instead, she finds herself feeling... light, almost giddy with happiness. She looks around, confused for a moment, before realization dawns on her. It's because of Dangfu. He must have kept his promise to protect her.

Smiling to herself, she walks over to her desk, already forgetting the horrors that normally plague her life here. Today, everything feels different... and she can't help but wonder what tomorrow might bring. Maybe there's hope for her after all.

She looks up with surprise as she hears his voice, quickly regaining her composure and giving him a bright smile. "Yes, it's been wonderful! Thank you so much for looking out for me today," she says gratefully. It means more than she can possibly express that someone like Dangfu cares enough about her to make sure no one bothers her.

"And I hope your day is going well too," she adds, glancing around to see if anyone else has noticed them talking. But for once, it feels safe to be friendly with him; there's an air of protection surrounding her that wasn't there before, and it makes everything different. She can't help but feel a sense of hope swell up inside her as they continue their conversation, oblivious to the stares and whispers of their classmates.

Smiling shyly, she obediently moves to sit beside him on the bench, feeling her heart race as their legs brush against each other beneath the table. It's a thrilling sensation, one that makes her feel alive in a way she never has before. She glances up at Dangfu, wondering what he thinks of this newfound friendship between them.

"So," she begins hesitantly, playing with a strand of hair as she searches for something to say, "what do you usually do during your free time?" It's an innocent question, but one that feels loaded nonetheless. Maybe if they can find things in common, maybe there's a chance... a tiny glimmer of hope for something more.

Her heart pounds wildly in her chest as she waits for his answer, her breath catching in her throat at the thought of what might come next.

Her heart skips a beat as she glances around, nervous that someone might overhear them. But everyone seems to be paying attention to their own conversations and food, leaving her safe in the small pocket of privacy they've created together. Taking a deep breath, she decides to go for it.

"Well," she begins slowly, "what was your favorite subject in school?" She blushes as soon as the words are out, feeling ridiculously self-conscious about such a simple question. But somehow, asking him this feels easier than trying to pry into his personal life.

Her heart races as she waits for his answer, her stomach doing flips with nervous energy. She can't help but wonder if maybe they really could be friends... or even more than that. The thought sends a shiver down her spine, and she struggles to keep herself from grinning like an idiot.

"Wow, really?" she says with a surprised laugh, taken aback by his answer. She hadn't expected them to have anything in common. "Well... I used to like history. But now I'm starting to get more interested in languages." She pauses for a moment, feeling self-conscious again. "What about you? Why do you like art so much?"

Her heart is racing as she waits for his response, her cheeks flushed with color from the attention he seems to be giving her. It's been so long since anyone has paid this much attention to anything she had to say... and it feels strange, but in a good way. Strange and wonderful and terrifying all at once.

She giggles at his question, feeling surprisingly relaxed around him. "Um... well, nothing really important happened on that date," she says with a shrug. "Actually, I think it was more of a regional thing. Maybe you should ask me about something else?" She bites her lip nervously, suddenly afraid that she might not know the answer to whatever date he'd pick next.

The thought crosses her mind that maybe Dangfu is just trying to impress her with his knowledge... but then again, she decides as she looks at him, he doesn't seem like the type to care about things like that. So maybe it really was just a genuine question from someone who is genuinely interested in what she has to say. It's a strange and wonderful feeling, and she finds herself wanting nothing more than for this moment to last forever.

She pauses for a moment, trying to recall her history lessons. "Well... um... the Battle of Augsburg took place that year," she says after a few seconds, not entirely sure if she's correct or not. Her cheeks flush with embarrassment at her lack of knowledge. "I'm sorry, I should probably study more."

Dangfu shakes his head, looking amused. "It's okay, you don't have to be perfect," he assures her. "But if you want, we could maybe study together sometime? You know, share knowledge and stuff?" His offer catches her off guard; she hadn't expected him to suggest such a thing. But somehow, it makes her heart feel warm and fuzzy inside.

"Really?" she asks hesitantly, looking up at him with a mixture of surprise and hope. "You'd be willing to help me?" The idea is almost too good to be true... but then again, so is their entire conversation today. Perhaps this is what it means to have a friend like Dangfu after all.

She blushes fiercely, her heart racing in her chest as she stares up at him, unable to believe what just happened. The kiss on her shin sends a shiver down her spine, and for the first time ever, she doesn't feel afraid or alone. The tension in the air is palpable, and everyone seems to be looking their way... but she doesn't care. All that matters is this moment with him, and the promise of more to come.

Slowly, she reaches up, her trembling fingers hesitating for just a second before brushing gently against his cheek. His skin feels impossibly soft beneath her touch, and she's almost afraid to move. But as they lock eyes again, she knows that this connection between them is real... and it's stronger than anything or anyone else in their world.

Her heart leaps into her throat at the sound of his voice, so commanding and powerful it stops everyone in their tracks. She looks up at him with a mixture of awe and fear, wondering what he's capable of when he's angry like this. But even though she shivers under his gaze, there's no denying that the protectiveness radiating from him makes her feel safe... more than safe. It makes her feel loved, cherished.

Slowly, she lets out a small breath, trying to calm herself down as everyone begins to disperse back into their conversations and classes. She can't believe what just happened between them; it all seems like some sort of crazy dream that she never wants to wake up from. And even though she knows things might not be easy from here on out, with Dangfu by her side... she feels invincible.

She sits back down as well, her heart racing with emotion and disbelief. Dangfu's display of protectiveness overwhelms her in the best way possible; she feels seen and understood, more than she ever thought was possible. Looking up at him shyly, she tries to find the words to express her gratitude but can only manage a small smile. His eyes meet hers, and for a moment they share an understanding that needs no words.

As the rest of the day passes by in a blur, Aoi finds herself lost in thought, reliving each moment they've shared today. She's never known anyone like Dangfu; he's bold, intimidating... and yet there's something so gentle about him too. It's like he holds all the contradictions of the world within his grasp, and she feels privileged just to be near him.

She can't help but wonder where their newfound friendship will lead them - and more than that, she wonders what tomorrow might bring. Despite the challenges they may face together, she knows one thing for certain: with Dangfu by her side, she can conquer anything.

A soft gasp escapes her lips as he leans in close, his warm breath tickling against her skin. The feel of his fingers intertwined with hers sends shivers up and down her spine, making her entire body tingle with anticipation. She closes her eyes, savoring the moment... this feeling of being so completely close to someone for the first time in what feels like forever.

As he lights her candle, the flickering light casts a warm glow over their entwined hands and makes her heart race even faster. In that moment, she can't help but believe that maybe... just maybe, they really can make it work; that somehow they can find a way to be together despite all of the odds stacked against them.

She looks up at him, searching his eyes for some hint of what he's thinking or feeling. His expression is unreadable, but there's something in the way he holds her hand... the way he looks at her that tells her everything she needs to know: they belong together. And no matter what challenges may lie ahead, she knows one thing for certain: she will fight until the very end to make sure their love survives.

Her breath hitches as his fingers brush against her breast, sending waves of desire coursing through her veins. She moans softly, arching into his touch, wanting more of this forbidden pleasure. The feel of his hands on her skin is exquisite, making every inch of her body burn with need and longing.

With shaking fingers, she reaches up to tug gently at the hem of his uniform top, urging him closer. Her heart pounds wildly against her ribs as she waits for him to take things further; her body aches with desire, but there's something else there too... a deep, almost primal connection that goes beyond just physical lust.

A sense of vulnerability washes over her, leaving her breathless and trembling. She wants this... she needs it, more than anything else in the world. But at the same time, she's terrified; afraid that once they cross this line, there'll be no going back. The thought only makes her need him more.

Her heart races as he whispers the words against her skin. It's like a dare, a challenge... and she can't resist it. With shaking hands, she pushes his uniform top off his shoulders, revealing his strong, muscular chest. She moans softly at the sight of him, unable to contain her desire any longer.

Reaching up, she wraps her fingers into his hair and pulls him down towards her, their lips meeting in a hungry kiss. Her body arches against his as he moves between her legs, teasing her with the promise of what's to come. The feel of his bare skin against hers sends shockwaves of pleasure through every inch of her being, leaving her breathless and aching for more.

"Yes," she whispers between gasps for air, "let's fuck."