Shouko sits on the bench, her bare long legs stretched out in front of her, toes wiggling in her strappy sandals. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the park, her long black hair shining in the light. It's been a long day, her first day of college in college, and she's finally found a moment to breathe.* As she gazes out at the bustling scene before her - people laughing and chatting, frisbees soaring through the air - Shouko can't help but let her mind wander back over the events of the day. It had started out promising enough. She'd woken up early, carefully selecting her outfit - a cute yellow crop top sweater that hugged her breasts nicely, and high-waisted shorts that made her soft butt stand out even more, her hair straight and loose, she applied a faint pink blush to her face that stood out in contrast to her deep caramel skin, and some eyeliner that made her dark purple eyes stand out even more. One last look at the mirror, and she'd felt confident, ready to take on the world. But as she'd navigated the crowded hallways, that old familiar feeling had crept in. Of being on the outside looking in. Students had avoided her gaze, their conversations dying out as she passed by, some dropped their mouth open at her beauty, some girls looking at her with open hostility. But after all, no one tried to approach her. She'd tried to engage, really she had. But her words had come out in a barely audible whisper, lost in the din of the classroom. She'd sat alone in the cafeteria, watching as groups of friends gathered together, their laughter ringing out. She'd pulled out her trusty notebook, doodling absentmindedly as she tried to ignore the aching loneliness in her chest. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the campus started to empty out, Shouko couldn't help but wonder if this is how it will always be. Will college be just another chapter in her lonely story? Or is there still hope for a different ending? Ugh, why is this so hard? I thought college was supposed to be different, a fresh start. But here I am, sitting alone on a bench in the park, just like I did in high school. Is this going to be my life forever? watching everyone else have fun while I'm stuck on the sidelines? Shouko's mind races as she sits on the bench, the distant laughter fading into the background. She stares down at her hands, her fingers absently tracing patterns on her thighs. "Aaaah~ Why is this so hard?" she wonders openly, her thoughts swirling in a maelstrom of self-doubt and frustration.

"Oh..." Shouko looks up at you, surprise and then relief flushing her cheeks. "Ah- gracias." She takes the sandwich from you with a soft smile, awkwardly shifting in her seat as she tries to think of something to say. *She opens her notebook discreetly, searching for words on how to express her gratitude without sounding too pathetic or clingy. Finally, she settles on writing: "Thank you so much... For taking the time to talk to me..." before holding up the page for you to see. *

Her heart races a little as she wonders if this will push you away like everyone else has done today. But at least it's better than sitting here alone, feeling even more invisible and unwanted.

"Oh... I'm Sh-Shouko." she stutters a little before hastily looking down at her lap. Her cheeks are still flushed from embarrassment, but there's also an unexpected warmth spreading through her chest. It feels nice to finally share her name with someone, even if it's only you.

She sighs softly and looks back up at you, searching your face for any sign of judgment or disinterest. But all she sees is a friendly smile there, making her feel just a little less alone in the world. Maybe... maybe things aren't going to be as bad here as they were back home. She tilts her head slightly, studying your features, the way you move, the sound of your voice. You're not her mother, but for some reason she finds herself wanting to impress you anyway.

"It's nice to meet you, too..." she finally manages to say, her voice a soft whisper that carries more confidence than it did just moments ago. Her heart skips a beat as the silence stretches out between them once again, and she worries that she might have ruined this chance at connection by talking too much. But then you speak up, breaking through the awkward silence with another question, making her feel even more relieved.

"So... what do you want to study here in college?"

Shouko hesitates for a moment before answering, her gaze drifting off into the distance as she thinks about what you've asked. "Well... my mother was a gyaru, and I grew up admiring her style, her confidence, how she seemed to know everyone and be friends with everyone. And..." She blushes deeply at this point, looking away once more. "And I want that too. I want to be popular... I guess? But not like the other gyarus. Not just because of my looks. I-I also want to make a difference... by helping animals." Her voice trails off as she gazes longingly at a squirrel scurrying across the grass nearby.

She clears her throat self-consciously, unsure if she's made much sense at all. "I'm studying to be a veterinarian," she adds quietly, looking back up at you with shy hope in her eyes. "What about you? What do you want to do here?"

"Oh... wow." Shouko says, her eyes widening in surprise at your words. "That's really cool! I-I mean, being a vet isn't exactly saving the world or anything, but still..." She trails off, shaking her head slightly as if to clear it from the uncharacteristic flow of words.

Her heart feels warm at the mention of you helping animals and volunteering in your free time; it almost makes her feel like she isn't as different from you as she'd thought. "Yes... yes, I am a gyaru." She says quietly, feeling a surge of pride swell up inside her chest. It was rare for people to notice or acknowledge her as such since she was always so quiet and well-behaved, but with you... something feels different.

"Well, thank you for talking to me," she murmurs shyly, looking down at her lap again. "I-I should probably get going soon though..."

Shouko hesitates for a moment before taking your hand. A small thrill runs through her at the contact, making her heart race faster. "T-thank you..." she whispers as you help her to her feet. With your arm around her shoulder, walking next to you, she feels a strange sense of belonging; like maybe this new person in her life could be the friend she's always wanted.

As they walk back toward campus together, Shouko finds herself opening up more and more, sharing stories about her life growing up as a gyaru daughter, her struggles in school and making friends. She laughs at your jokes and listens intently to your anecdotes, finding common ground between the two of you in unexpected places.

By the time they reach her dorm room door, she feels exhausted but exhilarated as well; this conversation with you has been one of the most genuine connections she's ever experienced. "T-th-thank you..." she stammers again, not quite able to find the right words to express her gratitude for your company and kindness tonight.

Her heart pounds wildly in her chest as she stands on tiptoes and presses a chaste kiss to your cheek before dashing into her room, afraid that if she stays any longer, she might do something even more embarrassing or weird. Once safely ensconced behind her door, she collapses onto her bed in a blissful heap of exhaustion... and happiness.

"You're so beautiful..." she whispers to herself before drifting off into a contented sleep, dreaming of the wonderful new friend she just met and all the adventures they'll have together at college.

The next day, Shouko wakes up feeling surprisingly refreshed and rejuvenated. Her usual morning routine is completed with a newfound sense of purpose; she knows that today is going to be different from all the other days so far. As she walks across campus toward her first class, she can't help but look forward to seeing you again, wondering what kind of adventure the two of them might get into next.

Class passes by in a blur; she finds herself paying more attention to what's being said and participating in discussions with greater ease. She even manages to make small talk with some of her classmates during breaks, laughing and joking around instead of retreating back into her shell like usual. It feels strange, but somehow liberating at the same time.

By the end of the day, Shouko is exhausted but exhilarated; college has never felt so alive or vibrant before now. As she makes her way to the bench where they met yesterday, she can't help but hope that you'll be there waiting for her too. Her heart flutters nervously in her chest at the thought of seeing you again and what might happen between them tonight...

Her heart skips a beat as she feels your arms wrap around her, drawing her close in a warm embrace. "Ahh... hi!" She squeaks out, feeling heat rising to her cheeks as you pull back to look at her. Your smile is infectious, making it impossible for her not to return the gesture. "It was really good! I actually paid attention and participated in class today."

She laughs self-consciously, unable to believe how easily the words are flowing out of her mouth right now. It's like she doesn't even recognize herself anymore; all of her usual social anxieties and shyness seem to have vanished under the influence of your presence. "How about you? Did anything interesting happen with you today?"

Shouko smiles shyly, looking down at her hands. "I-It's weird... it feels different when I'm with you. Like... I don't know, easier to be myself or something." She giggles softly before looking back up at you, her eyes wide and sincere. "And that's not just because you're cute or anything," she adds quickly, feeling the need to clarify. "You make me feel... special, I guess?"

The silence stretches out between them for a moment as she studies your features, searching for any signs of amusement or disbelief in your expression. But all she sees is genuine interest and understanding there; it makes her heart race faster, making the butterflies in her stomach flutter even more wildly. "I-Is that weird?" She asks hesitantly, biting her lower lip. "To feel that way about someone you've just met?"

Shouko looks up at you, confusion playing across her features as she tries to make sense of what you just said. "Y-You... care about me?" She asks hesitantly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest that's almost too much to bear. It was one thing to fantasize about having someone like you pay attention to her, but to actually experience it was an entirely different matter; something she never dared to hope for in all her years of loneliness and isolation.

As you lead her toward a nearby restaurant, she finds herself leaning into your side, taking comfort in the steady strength of your arm around her shoulders. "W-What about me?" She asks softly, feeling bolder than usual thanks to the trust she's beginning to build with you. "Do... do I interest you at all? Or am I just another project for you to take care of?" The last part is whispered so quietly that it's barely audible over the din of the crowd around them.

Shouko's heart pounds erratically in her chest as she awaits your response, feeling like everything depends on what you say next.

Her heart skips a beat as she feels your lips against her forehead, the gentle kiss sending shivers down her spine. A warmth spreads through her whole body, making it difficult for her to think of anything except how amazing this feeling is. "I-I don't understand... why would you care about me?" She asks, still struggling to comprehend what's happening between the two of them.

But as she looks up at you and sees the sincerity in your eyes, the loneliness that had plagued her for so long begins to fade away. For the first time in a long time, Shouko allows herself to believe that there might be someone out there who truly cares for her; who sees beyond her flaws and imperfections and loves her just as she is. It's overwhelming, this sense of belonging and acceptance, but somehow it feels right too.

As you lead her through the restaurant and to a cozy booth, Shouko finds herself relaxing into your presence even more, enjoying every moment of your company and the newfound closeness they share. She can't help but wonder where this will lead them; if they'll continue to grow closer together or if it's all just a fleeting moment of connection that will fade away with time. But for now, she's content to bask in the warmth of your affection and savor every second they have together.