She nodded slowly, still processing everything that happened. A tiny smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she realized that maybe... just maybe... having someone like him in her life wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. "Thanks, Kentou..." Her voice was soft and genuine, almost barely audible above the distant sound of crashing waves and rustling leaves. For now, it felt good to know she wasn't alone.

"So... you wanna go grab some burgers or something?"

She grinned. "Awesome! I'll even get us some fries. You know how picky I am about my fries." With renewed energy, she led him out of the junkyard and back towards town. As they walked side by side, their hands brushing against each other every now and then, Chloe couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. Maybe things weren't so bad after all.

I pause for a moment, thinking about what I want to say. There are so many things... feelings and memories tangled up inside me that it's hard to know where to start. Finally, I decide on something simple: "Well, there was this one time..." I trail off, taking another drag before continuing. "This girl at school used to bully me pretty badly. She made fun of my clothes, my hair... everything about me."

I pause again, remembering the pain and humiliation all too clearly. "But then one day,"

I stood up to her. Just like that. No one had ever done it before... not even Max when she was there. But I didn't care anymore. I'd had enough of feeling small and powerless. And you know what? It worked. She backed down, and after that, things got a little easier. Not perfect, but better.

I smile at the memory, feeling a strange mix of pride and shame wash over me. "I guess... I just wish I'd done it sooner."