The next day at school.

I isolated myself from others and just stayed at the rooftop.

My father and I argued again. He even hit me on face which was still visible. He didn't want me to go to school anymore, he just wanted me to work. He told me that I was useless and he couldn't support my studies anymore. He just cared being a boozer.

I didn't expect much from him since he was already not giving me support about anything.

I barely ate, it was obvious on my body. I was very thin and looked like a frail kid.

Two big round bruises were on my face so I didn't bother to attend classes because I couldn't bear anymore if the teachers asked me what happened, I would tear apart in front of them. I couldn't betray my father, he was my only family.

I just continued to cry and cry till there was no more tears coming out from my red puffy eyes.

Then the door suddenly opened, I hid my face. Tiffany walked along with her bodyguard assisting her.

"Tae?" Tiffany called.

The bodyguard let her go and she walked to me using her assisting cane to guide her. I stood up and walked to her.

The bodyguard bowed to me and he left us alone giving us privacy.

I tried to gather myself together and stayed collected. I wiped my tears even though Tiffany couldn't see me.

"Tiffany, hi!" I tried to greet her cheerfully but my voice was a bit hoarse because of crying.

"Are you crying Tae?" Tiffany asked as she reached for my hand.

"No... I'm fine," I lied as I held her hand then we sat on the ground.

"Don't lie to me Tae, tell me... what happened?" She asked concerned.

My lower lips quivered and tears were threatening to fall, I didn't say anything because I knew my voice would betray me.

"Tae... my mom told me about you bruises. It's on your face and body. She saw it yesterday. And now, one of my bodyguards told me that you have new bruises on your face. Please, tell me what's going on?" She sadly said as she held my arm and squeezed it.

My tears streamed down my cheeks, it was flooding. I couldn't hold it any longer, it was too much. I had to let it out.

I didn't want my father to be in trouble because I treated him as a family even if he wasn't treating like I'm his daughter. He's only a family by blood but nothing more.

I sobbed hard and let it out. Tiffany hugged me and I buried my face on her chest. I could feel her hands massaging my back to comfort me. It helped somehow.

"It's my father, he's abusing me," my voice was shaking as I confessed.

Tiffany gasped "I'm sorry Tae..." Her hug tightened but it wasn't suffocating. It was comforting. She couldn't prevent pain but she could alleviate it.

"My mother left us and he's blaming me for that. He said that I'm a disgrace in  our family. I came out of the closet and he can't accept it," I elaborated.

"Do you need help Tae? Just tell me."

I pulled back to face her "No, it's okay Tiffany."

She frowned "But he's hurting you."

"I don't want him in trouble, he's still my father. Maybe he's just upset right now," I reasoned.

"I care for you Tae and I don't like you hearing in pain. No matter what reason is, no one has the right to hurt others. I hate that I can't help you," Tiffany sadly said as she leaned forward and kissed my forehead.

At least, there was someone who cared for me.

"Thank you Tiffany, just being here with me is enough. For once, I feel that someone really cares for me and I feel important. It feels good," I admitted as I sniffled.

"I'm always here for you Tae, I promise. And I care for you, you are like my best friend," she mumbled as she put her chin on my shoulder.

I was happy to hear that, we were best friends. But there was a sad feeling that I wished we were more than that.

I knew that I was falling for this girl. I liked her so much but I also knew that we were better off as friends because that was all we could be.

There was a big gap between us. I would fall hard and completely break if I continued this fantasy.

I pulled away and wiped my tears "I like you Tiffany." I spluttered. My heart was beating briskly.

I just said that to offend her though. I wasn't thinking straight.

"W-what?" Tiffany's forehead puckered, she was confused.

"I like you," I repeated.

"But Tae..."

I stood up "I know you don't like me like that. I'm just a friend."

"It's just... it's kinda rush..."

"And I'm just a worthless human being, you will never like me. I'm just a piece of trash-"

Tiffany interrupted me "Stop it! Don't say that Tae. You are my hero remember? Please don't think like that. You're important to me." She stretched her arm to reach me but being stubborn, I moved away.

"Yes, important as a friend," I bitterly said.

"Why are you saying this now? You're rushing things and you want to push me away. I can feel it Tae, you want to get rid of me but sorry, you won't," she said as she slowly stood up.

"I like you... I like you a lot," Tiffany admitted.

I just gaped at her. Did she just say that she likes me?

I didn't expect it but I was happy to hear that.

"But please, let's not rush it," she added. "For now, let's be friends and know each other more."

"Okay," I muttered.

Tiffany walked to me and wrapped her arms around me "I told you, you won't get rid of me Tae. I will stay in your life forever."

Her sensory was good, she walked to like she could see me.

I weakly smiled "Thank you Tiffany."

She really cared for me.

I guess, I'm lucky.

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