You were a bit of an outsider, never really had any friends. There were those who would pretend to be your friend but really they were talking behind your back. You were always bullied so you were constantly changing schools.

"Hmm..", you were hesitant as you stood in front of your new school.

Your bottom lip was a bit red from how hard you were biting. Your thoughts were filled with cruel words that the people here will say to you. Even though as students passed by you while minding their own business, your mind always convinces you they'll be talking behind your back.

The bell rang, stating that class is about to start. You swung your bag over your shoulder and walked inside.

Schedule in your hand, you looked around and tried finding your first class. Your eyes had been looking down at your schedule so you weren't aware what was in front of you.

Math class and then woodshop? What kind of class is t-

You bumped into something hard, falling back and landing on your butt. Your things scattered everywhere in the ground.

"I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

You looked up and met eyes with a guy who stood out from everyone else. Your cheeks warmed up a bit as you first noticed his smile. He helped you pick up your things from the ground while you stood up, dusting the dirt off of your clothes. He handed you your things all while keeping that smile on his face.

"You're new here, right?", he asked.

You couldn't look at him anymore. Whatever feeling you had made you uncomfortable.

"I'm Chan", he said, extending his hand towards you.

You just stared at his hand, not moving an inch.

"What's your name?", he asked.

You can feel other people staring at you so you quickly walked passed by him, leaving him confused.

"She's weird", his friend said.

~~~

Entering your first class, you examined the room. The students were talking to each other, laughing as they reminisced about what they've been doing. Although it's the middle of the first semester of the year, everyone already had their friends when you had no one. Did that bother you? A little. But you're used to it.

There was an empty chair near the back so you walked down the aisle of the chairs and was about to sit down until a girl beat you to it.

"Oops, were you planning on sitting down here? I'm sorry. Go ahead and take it. I'll sit down somewhere else", the girl smiled and stood up, grabbing your things from your hands and placed them down on the desk.

She walked past these two guys who wouldn't stop staring at her. Ridiculous how some guys look at girls as if they were toys, as if playing with their feelings makes them feel like a man when in reality they're just little boys.

You sat down on the desk and waited for class to start.

~~~

Your first class wasn't that bad but for woodshop, the teacher criticized you. You didn't know how most of the machines worked plus you were afraid of cutting of a finger. A few students laughed at you, causing you to hide in your little shell.

Lunch came around. The cafeteria wasn't exactly appetizing. It just looked like leftover food that had been recycled to use again.

Placing your tray on the lunch table, you sat down and put your backpack next you. You didn't feel like eating so you took out your small sketch book and began drawing.

"Hi!"

The same girl from your math class sat down in front of you, smiling from ear to ear as she held a brown back which you assumed was her lunch.

"I'm Mai. You're new right? It's nice to meet you. Do you mind if I sit here with you?", she asked, taking out her lunch which is an already prepared salad and an apple.

"Sure. I don't mind", you said.

You continued drawing while Mai kept taking a few glances at you. She noticed how parts of your hair would fall to the side as it was up in a ponytail. You also had a small scar near your left eye that she was curious about but knows not to ask so she wouldn't make you feel uncomfortable.

"You like to draw too? I draw as well but they're just doodles. Can I see?", she asked.

You were hesitant because you didn't know her too well but she did let you sit down on the desk and hasn't been rude to you...yet which is what your mind thought. You handed your sketchbook over to her so she can take some glances at a few pages.

"Wow, you're really talented. Is this what you wanna do when you go to college?", she asked.

"Oh, I'm not going to college", you said.

"Why not?", she asked.

It's not like you haven't thought about it. Your parents just don't approve and you doubt they'll pay for college. And getting a job isn't quite a walk in the park.

"I just don't think I'll get in", you said.

"Oh trust me, with talent like this you'll get in for sure", she smiled and handed you the sketchbook.

"Mai, mom keeps asking where you put her car keys."

The guy who helped you earlier walked towards Mai, handing her a water bottle.

"I always leave them on her dresser", she responded.

You looked down at your food, hoping to hide your flushed face. He then noticed you.

"Hey, it's new girl. You got her to sit with you", he smiled.

"Yeah, you know her?", Mai asked.

"We bumped into each other in the morning and asked for her name. Guess she's a bit shy", he said, sitting down next to Mai.

"Chan, you obviously don't know how to approach a girl. You must have come on too strong. Anyways (y/n), do you wanna hang out after school? Chan and I are going to a small party", she said.

"Um...I'll have to ask", you said.

"Okay. Here, I'll give you my number and you'll let me know", Mai wrote her number down and handed it to you.

"Shoot, I forgot I have drama club today. I'll get going. See you later (y/n)", Mai waved before walking away.

You were now more uncomfortable.

"Hey, sorry if I scared you earlier today. I didn't mean to. Hopefully we can be friends since you already made friends with my cousin", he smiled softly.

You nodded and put your sketchbook away in your backpack.

"So how are you liking the school so far?", he asked.

"Well...my classes are fine except for woodshop. My teacher embarrassed me in front of everyone. I just didn't wanna use the machines because it didn't seem safe to me. I'll probably ask if I can change to a different class", you said.

"I think I know which teacher you're talking about. Yeah I had him last year. Wasn't a good experience. Hey maybe you can transfer into the art class I'm in. There's hardly any students but the teacher is really nice", he said.

"Really? I'll look into it", you smiled.

"Come on, I'll go to the counselor's office with you", he said, grabbing your backpack.

"I can carry that-"

"It's fine. Come on", he motioned you to walk first.

~~~

You were now at home, thinking what to wear for the party. Your mom bought you a white knee-length dress but it looked like you were going to church. Your only options now were t-shirt and jeans but is that what people wear to parties? You were never the type to go to these social events.

While looking through your closet, your phone beeped. Mai has texted you that she won't be able to go to the party but that Chan is still willing to go. He was gonna pick you up around 9:30.

You looked at the clock and noticed it was almost nine so you had over half an hour to get ready. Now you can't wear regular t-shirt and jeans if you're gonna be seen with him. You glanced over at the white dress, biting your lip softly.

As a we minutes pass, your mom had called you saying that your friend is waiting for you. While going down the stairs, you can see Chan talking to your mom.when he looked at you, your eyes widened.

Reaching the final step of the stairs, your mom tried to get as many answers from you but you ignored her and followed Chan out of the house. While driving to the party, you shifted around on the seat, feeling the dress riding up.

"You look nice. Very different from the school uniform", he said.

"I prefer the uniform than this", you said.

He chuckled, revealing his dimple.

"So why did Mai bail? What did she have to do?", you asked.

"She has this recital coming up so she had to stay behind and practice", he said.

"She's into music too? Is there something she doesn't do?", you said, surprised by how many activities she's participating in.

"She hates hiking. That's something she's not good at. I took her a few weeks back and she started whining 10 minutes later. My little sister walked faster than her and she wasn't even tired", he said.

"You have a sister?", you asked.

"Yeah. She's six. She's shy just like you so I think you'll get along with her", he said.

"Putting two shy girls together in a room will only become more awkward because it'll be so quiet and we won't know what to talk about", you said.

"You got me there", he smiled as he glanced at you.

When you arrived at the party, you expected a few people inside the house but there were more inside and out. Toilet paper were thrown onto trees and the roof. Red cups were on the ground, squished or filled with alcohol.

"Watch out!"

A guy on a skate board was heading your way so Chan grabbed you by the waist and pulled you back, stumbling onto him. Realizing how close you were, you fixed your dress and looked down at the ground.

"Come on", he placed his hand on your back so you wouldn't get lost in the crowd.

Many people greeted Chan, giving him high fives. He lead you towards the corner of the living room where there were hardly any people and asked if you wanted anything.

"No thanks. I'm fine", you said.

He stood next to you the whole time. You would've thought he'd go hang out with his friends but he looks comfortable right at that spot.

"Hey Chan, what's up? You made it", a guy came up to him and handed him a drink.

"Ah, can't. I'm driving her back home", he said, setting the cup aside.

"Then give her the drink. Looks like she needs it", the guy said as he noticed your dress.

He grabbed the cup and was about to give it to you but Chan grabbed his wrist.

"She's not drinking", he said.

The guy sighed and thought he was joking but a soft shove convinced him wrong.

"Alright, chill. Just wanted to help her loosen up", the guy left along with the girl that was with him.

"You didn't have to do that but thanks", you said.

"Some of these guys think all girls want to 'loosen up' or whatever but I can tell you're not that type", he said.

"..is it the dress?", you asked.

"There's nothing wrong with your dress", he laughed.

You laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of your neck.

Everyone around you was having fun. They were playing games, dancing and singing, and even some are making out.

"You don't wanna be here, do you?", Chan asked, noticing how uncomfortable you are.

"N-No I do. It's..fun", you said as a couple kissing were getting closer to you.

You moved away and bumped into Chan.

"Let's go", he smiled and held your hand as he lead you out of the house.

You haven't been there for more than ten minutes and you feel bad because Chan probably wanted to stay longer. But it looked like he didn't mind.

~~~

"Ice cream?", you asked, staring at the parlor in front of you.

"Yeah....do you not like ice cream?", he asked.

"No I do. I just never thought about eating ice cream this late", you said.

"Hmm, well there's always a first", he smiled and told you to order first.

You got pistachio flavor while he got vanilla. He noticed a few benches near the parlor so he walked towards it while you followed. He chose a bench where the view is amazing.

"So, What's your story?", he asked.

"My story?", you asked.

"Yeah. Your story. For example, my story is I grew up in a very strict home but for good reason. My parents want me and my sister to have a good career and provide good intentions for our future because they made mistakes when they were younger and they don't want us to make he same mistakes. It was difficult but I learned that life isn't easy. I did learn a few things but I feel like there's still more to learn. I rebelled for a few months. I would stay out late and hang out with a few 'friends'. I'd get into trouble. When my cousin moved in with us, she has helped me a lot. Plus, being that way made my little sister upset. I just reached that point where I said that was enough. I got my grades up and whenever I feel like I need to relax and not feel stress, I just go to my friend's studio and I dance. And here I am", he said.

You were surprised that he told you that. No one has ever even bothered to ask about you. Chan is different from everyone else.

"Are you a good dancer?", you asked.

He tried hiding his smile and turned to face you, staring into your eyes.

"I might be", he said.

"Hmm...prove it", you said.

"Prove it? Alright but you're gonna have to dance with me", he said as he placed his cup of ice cream down on the bench.

"But I'm not good at dancing", you said.

"I'll teach you", he said.

He grabbed your hand and helped you up. As he taught you the steps, your hands kept shaking and he noticed.

"I keep messing up", you whined.

"That's okay. I mess up a few times too. Not everyone is perfect", he smiled.

You sat back down on the bench and continued eating your ice cream. He sat down next to you but he had already finished his ice cream so he threw the cup away.

"You didn't tell me your story. How am I supposed to know who you are?", he asked.

"Mm...well, fine. I've never really had any friends growing up. I've been to three different elementary schools, two middle schools and four high schools. This is my fourth one. Honestly I'm surprised you're even hanging out with me. I'm also surprised that I haven't been held back. Anyways, it's hard for me to talk to people. I get really nervous and then I start stuttering. That's when people make fun of me. I stopped trying to make friends a long time ago because I know I can't trust them", you said.

"Do you trust me?", he asked.

"You haven't done anything bad so I guess so. And you're the first person that I've talked to for more then an hour. And you're fun. You're funny-"

"Funny looking?", he asked.

"No. I like how funny you are. You being yourself makes me feel comfortable being around you, which is a first for me", you said.

"Am I considered a friend now?", he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah. You made your way to earn that title", you nodded.

"Now, is the title boyfriend available?", he asked.

"W-What?", you began to blush intensely that you had to fan your face.

"I'm only teasing", he nudged you softly.

"Oh", you laughed awkwardly.

"Maybe", he smiled to himself.

"...jeez are you always this forward?", you asked.

Your heart kept racing as he sat closer to you.

"Not always but if I really like someone then I'll try my best to get their attention", he said.

"But you've known me for a day", you chuckled.

"Haven't you ever heard of love at first sight?", he asked.

"So now you love me?", you asked.

"I'm in like with you", he said.

You stayed quiet for a few seconds before you started laughing. Chan was enjoying the fact that you were having fun now that he knows your story. He kept thinking why people were so cruel to you when he likes hanging out with you.

"Yah, don't laugh at me", he chuckled.

"I'm sorry. No one has ever said anything like that to me, that's why I'm laughing", you calmed down and cleared your throat, trying not to laugh again.

You looked at your phone and noticed it was almost midnight. You told him that you had to go home already so he drove you back. When he parked in front of your house, he turned off the engine and looked over at you.

"I had fun", you said.

"I did too. Next time we can go somewhere else more fun", he said.

"Would you mind if Mai joined us? I wanna know more about her too", you said.

"Of course. And don't tell her I told you this but she's the crazy one. She likes having more fun than me. And one day I'll introduce you to my sister. From there your progress on having friends will increase. I'm gonna hell you with that", he smiled.

You nodded and opened the door to exit. When you closed the door, Chan rolled down the window and kept looking at you.

"How are we gonna keep in touch if I don't have your number?", he asked.

"You're acting as if we're not gonna see each other again", you chuckled.

"That's how it feels like", he said.

"You're such a baby", you laughed and wrote down your number on the inside part of his forearm.

"Imma get this tattooed", he joked.

"Creep", you shook your head and backed away from his car so he can start driving.

"Go inside first. I won't feel comfortable if I just left", he said.

"Okay, Goodnight", you said as you turned away.

You walked up to your front door, putting your hand on the doorknob while taking a glance behind you. Chan waved at you and mouthed 'go on'. You waved goodbye and walked inside the house. You were glad you didn't push him away from becoming your friend.