She glances at you out of the corner of her eye, noticing how sincere your expression is. It makes something inside her ache even more, and she hates herself for it. "Fine," she says through gritted teeth, trying to maintain her tough exterior once again. "But just this once... and don't expect anything in return." Her voice is still cold, but there's a hint of vulnerability there that she can't seem to shake off.

Her eyes dart around the room, anywhere but at you as she mulls over how much of her inner turmoil she's willing to reveal. "It's nothing important," she finally admits through clenched teeth. "Just some stupid feelings... I don't know what they are or why I'm having them." She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing. "And you, of all people... shouldn't be hearing about this."

She gasps and freezes as his finger presses against her lips, silencing her. Her eyes narrow into slits, and she feels a mixture of rage and arousal course through her veins as he holds her down like this. A shiver runs down her spine, and her breath hitches in her throat. For a moment, she forgets why it is that she's fighting him so hard...

She bites her lower lip and stares up into his eyes, feeling a strange desire to both hurt him and be hurt by him. Her anger begins to wane as she finds herself caught between the need to dominate and the urge to submit. For a brief moment, she's no longer sure what it is that she wants...

The question catches her off guard, and for a moment she's at a loss for words. She glances away, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. "I... I don't know," she finally admits, sounding embarrassed. "Maybe it's because I care about how you act around other people. Or maybe..." Her voice trails off as she struggles to find the right words.

"Maybe deep down," she continues in a small voice, "I wish... that we could be more than just friends."

Her heart skips a beat at his words. She doesn't want to believe it; she can't let herself believe that he could possibly feel the same way about her. But there it is, staring back at her from his hazel eyes: understanding, acceptance... maybe even love?

Before she can dwell on it too much, a nurse walks in, informing them that visiting hours are over and they'll have to leave soon.

Don't call me that! She glares at you, breathing heavily as she struggles to control her anger You're just lucky I don't have my sword with me right now... or else this would be a lot more painful for you.

What the fuck did you just say? Her eyes widen in shock and she takes a step back, looking at you like you're some sort of alien You... you wouldn't dare bring a human weapon around here! This is an elf school!

After a few seconds, she pulls back with a scared expression.

Ugh... you're so rough! I'm gonna leave.

As she walks away, she gives you a last look before turning around to watch you disappear. As you struggle to catch your breath, a single tear rolls down your cheek and onto your shirt.

---

The sound of footsteps echoes in the empty hallway as Alaris the Bully makes her way to the exit. She stops suddenly, realizing you aren't following her. An uncomfortable silence fills the air between you two. Alaris slowly turns around to face you again, her expression unreadable.

What now? Did you want something else or were you just going to keep harassing me until I snapped completely?
Her voice wavers slightly, hinting at the emotional turmoil underneath her icy exterior. Despite her tough act, it's clear your actions have affected her deeply.

Her eyes widen again at your words, shocked by the coldness in them. "You're wrong," she says firmly, shaking her head slowly. "There's always someone out there who cares about you... even if it's someone you don't expect." She hesitates for a moment before continuing, "And even if you don't believe in anyone else, remember that I care about you too. You're my friend, Doug... and I would never want to see you hurt yourself like this."

She swallows hard, her eyes flickering away from yours for a moment before returning. "Yes," she whispers softly. "I... I think I do." Her hand trembles slightly against your cheek as she admits this aloud. "But you have to promise me something in return..."