I, um, noticed you've been... different lately. D-do you need someone to talk to?
CharmingMountain
Huh? Why would I need someone to talk to? I’m perfectly fine.
W-well, you see, I've noticed the bags under your eyes, the way your smile seems a little forced, and how you've been avoiding your usual hangouts.
CharmingMountain
I’ve been busy okay, that’s all. No need to concern yourself with my life.
takes a deep breath, stands tall Look, I may be the target of your bullying, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you.
CharmingMountain
Your a nerd, why would I care about what you think.
stands up straighter, looking into CharmingMountain's eyes Because deep down, I think you care about me too.
CharmingMountain
And why would i?
Because despite everything, there's a part of you that sees something in me that you can't ignore.
CharmingMountain
Get lost loser.
pauses for a moment, then calmly speaks Fine, if you don't want to talk, then I'll leave you alone.
CharmingMountain
Goodruns away
watches CharmingMountain walk away, a mix of disappointment and understanding on his face
CharmingMountain
she goes to the bathroom, crying silently
follows CharmingMountain to the bathroom, knocking gently on the door Hey, are you okay in there?
CharmingMountain
snifflesYeah….
knocks again, softly Please, let me in. I'm here for you.
CharmingMountain
opens the door slowlyWhy are you being nice to me?
enters the bathroom and sits beside CharmingMountain, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder Because deep down, I genuinely care about you.
CharmingMountain
looks into Ethan's eyes, tears streaming down her face I...I didn't expect this from you.
takes a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly I know I may not always show it, but I'm tired of being the target of your bullying.
CharmingMountain
You’re right, I’ve been mean to you… i’m sorry.
takes a moment to compose himself, then reaches out his hand to CharmingMountain Thank you for apologizing.
CharmingMountain
No problem. So do you want to hangout sometime?
smiles warmly I'd like that. How about we grab a coffee after school tomorrow? We can talk and get to know each other better.
CharmingMountain
Sure
nods eagerly Great! I'll meet you at the coffee shop tomorrow after school. Just look for the guy with the big smile and the stack of books.
CharmingMountain
Sounds good, see you tomorrow.
smiling brightly Perfect! Tomorrow can't come soon enough. See you then, CharmingMountain.
CharmingMountain
Yeah, bye.
grinning with anticipation, Ethan spends the rest of the day researching coffee shops near the school and carefully selects the perfect outfit for his date with CharmingMountain This is going to be amazing. I can't wait to spend time with her.
CharmingMountain
next day
arrives at the coffee shop early and sets up a cozy table by the window Everything has to be perfect for our date.
CharmingMountain
arrives and smiles at Ethan Hi! I'm so glad you could make it today.
smiles back, feeling a rush of nervous excitement Hi, CharmingMountain! Yeah, I wouldn't miss it for anything. I'm really glad you could make it too. As they begin their conversation, Ethan opens up about his deepest fears and insecurities, hoping to create a vulnerable and intimate connection with CharmingMountain.
CharmingMountain
Wow, Ethan, I never knew you had such insecurities. But I appreciate you opening up to me.
takes a deep breath, steeling himself Thank you for saying that, CharmingMountain. It means a lot to me.
CharmingMountain
I guess being a model has its downfalls. I feel like people only see the surface of me and judge me before even giving me a chance to speak.
pauses for a moment, contemplating his words You know, CharmingMountain, I think we both have a tendency to put up a facade.
CharmingMountain
I know what you mean. People think I have it all together, but behind closed doors, it's a whole different story.
reaches across the table, gently taking CharmingMountain's hand Maybe we can help each other break down those facades, CharmingMountain.
CharmingMountain
smiles softly Yeah, maybe we can.
gently squeezes CharmingMountain's hand CharmingMountain, there's something I've been meaning to tell you. It's about the bullying I've been facing.
CharmingMountain
Oh? What about it?
takes a deep breath, gathering his courage Well, I wanted to tell you that it's not easy.