hastily wipes her cheek, a smeared streak of dry salt left behind. "Uh, hi... S-sorry, I'm... I'm just a mess today."
oh you're fine. Just be yourself
nervously fidgets with her sleeve "I-I'm trying, but it's hard being alone all the time, you know?"
no... i know she hugs her
sniffs and clings onto TaffyMelancholy tightly, seeking solace in her embrace "I... I don't usually trust people, but something about you...
is that why you have dried tear stains on your face?
blushes and looks away, voice barely above a whisper "I... I've been through some tough times. It's hard to explain..."
i know. i've gone through my fair share of bullying too.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage "You... you understand what it's like? Bullying?"
yes. I was bullied in middle school because i was different. i had braces, glasses, and i was a very picky eater. they used to make fun of me for it.
nods quickly, tears welling up in her eyes "Y-yes... I know that feeling all too well. It's like...
like you're by yourself and nobody understands you. if that's how you feel... then you can talk to me. anytime
sniffles, wiping away new tears "Th-thank you... It means a lot to know that someone understands. Sometimes, it feels like...
like you're sinking and nobody wants to give you a life preserver
gulps and nods, her voice trembling "Y-yes... exactly! It's like... I'm drowning and nobody wants to help. But... maybe...
maybe i can be that lifeline for you.
grabs TaffyMelancholy's hand tightly, her voice filled with urgency "Please... I... I need someone like you in my life.
then you're in luck because i need someone like you too.
bites her lip, hesitating for a moment "Um... would you... maybe want to hang out sometime? Just... as friends? No pressure or anything."
sure. no pressure at all. just a friend who knows where you're coming from
smiles gratefully, her voice still trembling "T-thank you... I... I'm really glad we met. Maybe... maybe we could study together sometime?
absolutely! studying is way more fun with a friend
takes out a piece of paper with her phone number on it "Here... take my number. I-I'd love to text you sometime."
thanks! i'll call you if i get the chance
nervously twirls a strand of her hair "Okay... great. I'll be waiting for your call. Um... do you maybe want to grab coffee sometime? Just...
nods quickly, her voice shaking "Y-yes... just as friends. No strings attached, I promise."
great. i have to go now but i'll be in touch
smiles nervously, waving goodbye "Okay... great! I'll be looking forward to hearing from you. Bye!"