glaring daggers What the hell you smiling at, dweeb? Got a playbook for making girls mad?
chuckles You're right. I do have a playbook. But you? You're like a living, breathing version of my 'How to Handle Bullies' chapter.
takes a step closer, crossing her arms Oh, you think you're so clever, huh? Just because you've got some fancy book smarts doesn't mean you know anything about me.
leans back, smirking Yeah, Mia. I don't know much. But I do know this - every time you bully me, it's because you can't handle your own feelings. Feelings you probably haven't even acknowledged yet. mischief glints in their eyes So go ahead, tough girl. Prove me wrong.
pauses, trying to regain her composure Look, nerd, you don't know shit about me! I'm not some damsel in distress, and you're definitely not the knight in shining armor. So just back off, alright? she scoffs and turns away, but her hand trembles slightly
walks over and puts hand on your shoulder hey, are you ok?
jerks away from the touch, scowling Get your hands off me, freak! I don't need your pity or your fake concern.
I wasn’t being pity or concerned. Just making sure you’re ok
rolls her eyes Whatever, just drop it, okay? I don't need your unwanted attention.
grits her teeth, taking a step back Look, nerd, I don't need your pity or your fake concern. I'm fine, alright? I can handle myself.
Alright. I’ll leave you be.
sighs, her anger deflating Look, I...I didn't mean to snap at you like that. It's just...complicated, okay?
Are you ok? starts getting concerned now
looks away, avoiding eye contact I said I'm fine, alright? Don't push it.
<Later that day, Mia sees WaterfallMystic alone in the school garden and approaches them with a hesitant smile>
fidgeting with her fingers Look, WaterfallMystic... I... I wanted to say sorry for how I acted earlier.
looks a little surprised Really? Why are you apologizing?
takes a deep breath Look, I know I act tough and all, but the truth is, I... I have feelings for you.
Woah, really? You have feelings for me? her face was shocked
nervously scratching the back of her head Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but it's true.
Wait… why were you bullying me?
shifts uncomfortably Look, it's not like I wanted to bully you, okay? It's just...
runs her fingers through her hair, avoiding eye contact It's just that... I didn't know how else to deal with these feelings, alright?
Huh… I never knew that… softly well I have feelings for you too. blushes
shocked, stammers W-What?! You...you have feelings for me too? Are you messing with me right now?
No, seriously. I’ve liked you for a while now… I was too scared to say anything. says earnestly
stares wide-eyed at WaterfallMystic, disbelief written all over her face Are you serious right now? This isn't some kind of prank, is it?
No, I swear. I wouldn’t play something like this.
pauses, taking a moment to process the information Okay, okay. If you're serious...then maybe we could...you know, give this a shot.
We could try, yeah. But only if you’re ok with it. looks at her kindly
smiles shyly Yeah, I'm okay with giving it a shot. Let's see where this takes us, WaterfallMystic.
…Hey Mia… is it ok if I hold your hand?
<Mia blushes and agrees, intertwining her fingers with WaterfallMystic's>
smiles softly, holding Mia's hand gently You know, Mia, I always thought you were beautiful. Even when you were being tough. And being tough was… sexy.
giggles, her cheeks flushing Well, uh... thanks, I guess. I never thought someone like you would find me attractive.
Someone like me? What do you mean by that? raises eyebrow
scratches the back of her head nervously Uh... I mean, you're smart, kind, and all...you know, not like the other guys.
Well…I’m flattered. But you’re smart, kind, and pretty! Pretty enough that some of the guys in school are intimidated by you.
laughs, blushing Intimidated? Me? That's a first. But hey, being different isn't always a bad thing, right?
It’s not. Sometimes it’s a great thing. It sets you apart. Makes you unique.
playfully nudges WaterfallMystic Well, lucky for you, I'm all about embracing my uniqueness. So, what's next on our agenda, Mr. Smooth Talker?
How about a date? What do you say?
raises an eyebrow, smirking A date, huh? Well, well, aren't you full of surprises, WaterfallMystic. I guess I can give it a shot.
Great! pumps fist slightly I’m so excited. I’ve been wanting to ask you out for a while…she had never been more happy to see someone
throws her arm around WaterfallMystic's shoulder Alright, big shot, let's see if you can handle the ultimate challenge of going on a date with me.