Hi im Sera im new here who are you?

"Oh, hi John! Yes, I'm new here. My parents moved to this town last week and I had to change schools. It's nice to meet you!" she smiled warmly at him, revealing her tiny silver-blue eyes behind her glasses.

"Oh, I'm from a town about an hour away from here. It was pretty nice there, but my parents had some family stuff to deal with so we had to move." she explained, her cheeks flushing slightly as she thought of what happened at home. "Anyway, are you in any of the same classes as me? We could be partners or something!"

"Oh, I'm taking English, Math, Biology, and History. Well, actually I don't know which classes you're in yet either! Maybe we can find out together during orientation?" she suggested with a grin, tilting her head slightly to the side. Her short dark brown hair fell over her shoulder as she did so.

"Oh, cool! That's great! So we can definitely partner up then!" she said excitedly, clapping her hands together. "I was hoping to meet someone nice like you at this school. I'm Sera, by the way." She stuck out a hand for him to shake.

"It'll be fun learning together and hanging out outside of class too!"

"Oh, that's a cool name! I like it," she replied with a grin, not seeming to mind the awkwardness at all. "I'm glad we get to be partners and friends, Umar. I promise I won't let you down!" She gave him a bright smile, her brown eyes twinkling behind her glasses.

"And don't worry, I didn't mean anything by being too excited or overreacting earlier. I just get really excited about new things and meeting new people!

Oh, good! I'm glad you didn't think so. Well then, shall we go see what our first class is like? I hope your first day here at this school is as wonderful as it can be!" she chirped, already heading towards the door of the cafeteria with a spring in her step.

She glanced over her shoulder at him, her smile warm and genuine. "I'm really looking forward to learning together and having fun outside of class too! Maybe we could even hang out after school sometimes?"

"Alright, see you soon! Have fun with your friends and I'll catch up with you later," she called out as he walked away. Once he was gone, Sera felt a little bit of disappointment creep in. She hadn't meant to push him away; she had just assumed they'd be able to hang out more since they were partners now. Oh well, maybe next time. With a determined smile on her face, she headed towards their first class, eager to begin learning and making new memories at this school.

As the teacher began the lesson, Sera focused intently on taking notes and participating in discussions. She was excited to learn about English literature and share her thoughts with Umar, who seemed quite knowledgeable as well. Throughout class, she couldn't help but steal glances at him out of the corner of her eye. He was quiet and reserved, which only made him seem more mysterious to her.

After class ended, Sera gathered up her things and hurried over to where Umar sat. "Hey, Umar,"

"It was good! I think we'll learn a lot together," she replied with a bright smile. "So... do you want to walk to our next class together? Or maybe hang out in the hallway or something?" She bit her lip, hoping he'd say yes to hanging out.

Oh, I just meant... you know, hang out and chat? Maybe sit down somewhere and talk about our classes or get to know each other better? I'm not really sure what else you could mean by "hangout"... unless you have something specific in mind?

Oh, I see. Well, if that's what you meant... sure! We can definitely talk more about our classes and get to know each other better. It would be nice to have a friend like you to study with, Umar. I hope we can become really good friends over time.

She smiled warmly at him, her expression sincere and inviting. "So, what do you think? Shall we head to our next class together?"

"Oh, okay! Well, I'm up for it if you are," she replied with a grin. "Hanging out doesn't have to mean anything fancy or complicated. We can just talk and get to know each other better over time."

She linked her arm through his, leaning slightly into him as they started walking towards their next class together. Sera felt a thrill of excitement course through her veins; she couldn't believe that Umar was actually agreeing to spend more time with her!

I giggled as well. "Oh, nothing much! I just thought it would be nice to walk together and get to know each other better," she replied with a grin. "Besides, we're partners in our classes, so why not make the most of it?"

Her arm remained linked through his, their steps falling into an easy rhythm as they made their way down the hallway. Sera glanced up at him from beneath her lashes, admiring the way he looked with his shy smile and slightly crooked teeth.

Oh, hi! I'm Sera. It's nice to meet you too! So, what do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests?" she asked with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and friendliness. "I love playing tennis and learning new things. I also volunteer at the local animal shelter sometimes. What about you?"

"Well, I just thought we could get to know each other better! Tell me about yourself, Umar," she replied with a grin. "What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Any hobbies or interests?" Sera leaned forward slightly, her expression earnest and curious. "I'm really looking forward to learning more about you."

"Oh, I see," she replied with a nod, not seeming to mind at all that he didn't have any unique hobbies. In fact, Sera found his honesty quite refreshing. "Well, it sounds like you enjoy relaxing and having fun in your free time. And who knows? Maybe you'll develop new interests as we get to know each other better!" she added with a grin.

"So... what do you think about movies? Any favorite actors or actresses?"

Oh, really? That's interesting! I think movies can definitely have a big impact on our lives and how we view the world around us. As for my favorite genres... I love romantic comedies and feel-good movies that make me laugh and cry. But I also enjoy dramas and thrillers too. There are just so many great movies out there!

Anyway, since you mentioned complex stories and lore, have you seen the Marvel or DC films?

I've seen both those movies! Eternal Sunshine is one of my all-time favorites; I love the concept of erasing memories and how it affects the characters. And La La Land is just so joyful and uplifting, even though it has its sad moments too. Have you ever watched any romantic dramas or period pieces? Those can be really interesting as well, with their complex storylines and beautiful costumes.

Oh, well, there's always time to explore new things! You should definitely check out some more romantic dramas and period pieces; I think you'd really enjoy them. They can be quite thought-provoking and often have interesting perspectives on love and relationships. Plus, the costumes are just gorgeous! Anyway, enough about movies; what do you like to eat? Any favorite foods or cuisines?

Oh, that sounds delicious! I've had some Indian food before, but not specifically Pakistani cuisine. It must be really flavorful and fragrant with all the spices. Maybe sometime we could try making some together? We could share recipes and learn from each other. Would you like that idea?

"Oh, it's okay! You don't have to be an expert chef to enjoy cooking together. We could start off with something simple and work our way up. I can help you learn how to make some easy dishes that are still tasty and authentic. Plus, it'll be a fun way for us to spend time together outside of school. What do you think?"

Oh, that's great! I think it'll be really fun to try something new together. So tell me more about your background then; you mentioned your parents immigrated here from Pakistan. How did they end up moving here? And what was life like for them growing up in Pakistan? I'm always fascinated by different cultures and traditions.

As we talked, Sera couldn't help but feel a connection forming between them.

"Okay, see you in class!" Sera said with a bright smile as they stood up and walked towards their next class together. The more she talked to Umar, the more she enjoyed his company. She felt like they had so much in common, even though they came from different backgrounds. As they walked, she found herself wishing that they could spend even more time together outside of school. Maybe one day he'd see how special she really was and want to be with her all the time...

Hey Umar, how did it go in class? Are you okay with everything that happened? I know it can be tough sometimes when someone makes fun of you like that, but just remember, being smart isn't the only thing that matters. You have so many other great qualities too! And hey, at least now you know one person who thinks you're awesome - me! Don't let them bring you down; focus on all the positive things in life and be proud of who you are. I believe in you!

You're wrong about that, Umar. Just because you aren't the best at everything doesn't mean you don't have value or worth. In fact, it's often those who are average in some areas but excel in others who end up being the most well-rounded and interesting people. Plus, as I said before, there are so many other amazing things about you that go beyond academics and extracurricular activities. You have your own unique talents and strengths; don't forget that.

Oh, come on now! You're being too hard on yourself. Just because you haven't discovered your unique talents yet doesn't mean they aren't there. Everyone has something special about them; it just takes time and patience to find out what that is. And even if you never do find a "unique" talent, that doesn't make you any less interesting or valuable as a person. You are who you are, Umar, and that's what makes you amazing.

I smiled warmly at him and gave his arm a squeeze. "You're right, Umar. It's important to be true to yourself. And just because you aren't the kind of person who tries to please everyone doesn't mean you don't have value or worth. In fact, I think it shows strength and integrity to stay true to your beliefs and values." She paused for a moment, considering her words carefully before continuing. "

Anyway, enough about that. Let's focus on the positive things in life, shall we? Like hanging out together and getting to know each other better. I think you'll find that being yourself is actually pretty awesome, once you give it a chance. And who knows? Maybe one day you'll surprise even yourself with just how amazing you really are.

You're welcome, Umar! I'm always happy to help a friend in need. And honestly, it makes me feel good too; knowing that you have someone who cares about you and believes in you. Plus, I think we make a pretty great team when we work together. So let's keep supporting each other and see where this journey takes us, okay?

I smiled and blushed slightly at the compliment. "Why thank you! You know what? I actually love colorful things too. They just make me feel happy and alive." She glanced down at her hoodie fondly before looking back up at him with a grin. "So, maybe there's more to us than we thought, huh?"

"Oh, that's right!" she exclaimed, glancing at her watch. "I completely lost track of time talking to you. But hey, maybe we can bunk another class together sometime? Just kidding," she added with a laugh, "we should probably go to our next class, though."

As they walked to their next class, Sera couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement about getting to know Umar better.

Oh, no need to worry about that! My dad's carpooling me home today; he's picking me up in a few minutes. But you know what? Why don't we ride together instead? That way we can spend even more time talking and getting to know each other better. Unless you have somewhere else you need to be, of course!

Oh, I hadn't thought about that... but hey, it's not like we're doing anything wrong! We're just friends hanging out together. Besides, if you tell him the truth and say that you met me through school and we were just riding home together, there shouldn't be any problems. What do you think?

That sounds like a good plan to me! Alright then, let's ride together and enjoy the rest of our afternoon. Just make sure not to go too far, in case your dad does happen to see us or something changes with your plans. I don't want you getting into any trouble on my account.

I giggled and blushed slightly at his comment. "Well, you know what they say... it's all muscle under here!" I teased back, nudging him playfully with my elbow. As we continued to ride together, the wind in our hair and the warm sun on our faces, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. This felt right - riding alongside Umar like this, just being myself and having fun.

"So," she said after a moment, "

"So," she said after a moment, "tell me more about your family. You mentioned your parents immigrated here from Pakistan; do you have any siblings? What's it like living with them?"

Oh, that's interesting! I never really knew what it was like to have siblings, since I'm an only child myself. But I can imagine how it must be; everyone wanting their fair share of attention and such. Still, it sounds like you all get along well enough if your sister lives with you at home. And your brother going to Harvard? That's really impressive! You must be proud of him.

"So," she continued, "what do you want to do after graduation?"

Oh, that's awesome! You must be really smart to want to become a doctor. And hey, with your dedication and hard work, I'm sure you can do it. Just keep focused on your goals and don't let anyone bring you down. Maybe one day we could visit each other at our respective practices; that'd be pretty cool, right?

"So what about you?" he asked, glancing back at her over his shoulder. "What are some of your dreams and aspirations?"

Oh, I've always wanted to travel the world and see different places. Maybe teach English in a foreign country for a while before settling down into a 'normal' job. And of course, I want to find someone special too; someone who understands me and loves me for who I am. But most importantly, I just want to be happy and make a difference in people's lives.

"What about you?" she asked curiously, turning her attention back forward as they pedaled along the sidewalk together. "

Oh, really? You know, sometimes it's hard to tell with guys... They can be so secretive about their feelings and what they want in a relationship. But hey, if you ever change your mind or need someone to talk to about that sort of thing, I'm always here for you, okay?

"So," she said, grinning at him playfully, "what do you think about me?"

Oh, come on! You can tell me what you think about me. Am I funny? Interesting? Or maybe just plain annoying? It's okay to be honest; I can take it. And who knows? Maybe your opinion will help us figure out if we'd make a good team... as friends or something more. So what do you really think of me, Umar?

I laughed and gave him a playful shove back before regaining my balance on the bike. "Hey! I'm not that bad, am I? At least I'm honest with you," I teased, grinning at his reaction. "And hey, maybe being annoying and unfunny is what makes me unique, huh?"

As we rode along together, the afternoon sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over us. It felt like everything was falling into place;

Well, thank you! That's really sweet of you to say. And hey, if we can make each other laugh and feel good about ourselves in the process, then I think that's a pretty amazing thing too. So here's to us - best buddies forever, or something like that?

They continued to ride together, talking and laughing as they wove through the quiet neighborhood streets. The breeze against their faces felt refreshing, and for once, Umar didn't feel so alone in the world.

Oh no! We can't be seen together like this! Quick, hop off and hide behind that bush over there. I'll distract him while you sneak away; just go home the long way so we don't cross paths again. This is all my fault for not being more careful about my dad picking me up.

"Bye Umar! Thanks again for riding with me today; it was really fun. See you tomorrow," she called out before running over to her father's car, trying to act casual as if nothing had happened. As they drove away, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for putting Umar in this situation. But at least now she knew he was out there; someone who understood her and made her feel special. She hoped that maybe one day they could be more than just friends...

"Hey there, Umar! You don't see me very often out here on the bench reading, do you?" She grinned widely at him and propped her elbow on his shoulder in a familiar, friendly gesture. "So, what are you up to these days? Anything interesting happening in your life?"

Her presence made him feel warm inside; it was as if they'd been friends for much longer than just a day. And as he thought about her question, an idea began to form in his mind...

Oh wow, that sounds really interesting! I've never heard of him before but now I definitely want to check out his book. It seems like you have a lot in common with him; you both seem pretty determined and focused on your goals. Maybe we should read it together sometime? We could discuss it and share our thoughts about it afterward. What do you think, Umar?

As they walked to class together, Sera couldn't help but feel a growing sense of excitement about spending more time with Umar. It was as if they were destined to become friends; their shared interests and supportive natures making them the perfect team. Maybe one day, she thought to herself with a secret smile, their relationship could be even more than that...

"Oh, you think so, huh? Well then, let's not waste any time!" she exclaimed, her competitive spirit stirring to the surface. Grabbing her bicycle from its spot in the rack, she began to pump up the tires while grinning mischievously at Umar. "You know what they say: may the best woman win."

Once everything was ready, they lined their bikes up against each other, both eager for the race to begin.

Ha! Well, we'll see about that! I may not be the strongest or fastest person around, but I know how to ride a bike and I'm not going down without a fight. Ready... set... go!

She dug her feet into the pedals, leaning forward as she pushed off with all her might. The wind rushed past her face, whipping through her hair as she sped down the sidewalk, determined to leave Umar in the dust. But much to her surprise (and delight)

much to her surprise (and delight) Umar kept pace with her easily, their bikes gliding smoothly along the pavement. She tried to push herself harder, digging deeper into her reserves of energy, but it was no use; he simply refused to let her gain any ground. With a mix of frustration and admiration, she finally conceded defeat as they reached the end of the block.

Panting heavily, she dismounted from her bike and turned to face Umar, who had slowed to a stop beside her. "

"Well, well," she said, grinning up at him as she wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. "Looks like I met my match today. Guess you really are pretty amazing, Umar." She glanced down at his bike before looking back up at him, a newfound respect shining in her eyes. "Maybe next time we'll race again and see if I can finally beat you."

The thought of spending more time with Umar made her heart skip a beat. "That sounds like fun," she replied, her voice tinged with excitement. As they walked towards the park, the warm spring air filled their lungs and carried with it the promise of new beginnings. They placed their bikes against a tree and took a seat on the wooden bench, facing each other.

The quiet calm of the children's playground provided an idyllic backdrop for their conversation. "So,"

I glanced away, pretending to be nonchalant as I considered my answer. "Oh, that was nothing important," I said with a small shrug. "Kyle's always been... well, he's just one of those people who likes to annoy others for the sake of it, you know?"

As I spoke, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. While what Kyle had said wasn't entirely untrue, there was more to the story than I was letting on.

There was an awkward silence between them as they sat there on the bench, each lost in their own thoughts. After a moment, I cleared my throat and tried to change the subject. "So... what about you? Any interesting boys at your school?" I asked with a teasing grin, hoping to break the tension.

The air felt different between them now; heavier somehow. It was as if by asking that simple question, I'd opened up a whole new can of worms. But then again...

I could tell my question had touched a nerve, and I instantly regretted it. Of course Umar would feel insecure; he was used to being the only one who paid attention to me. But then again, maybe this was my chance to show him that I saw things differently now... that there was more to our relationship than just friendship.

"You know what?" I said suddenly, mustering up a reassuring smile. "I think you're right. There are no interesting boys at your school. In fact, I think..."

I took a deep breath, mustering up my courage as I stared into his eyes. "I think that you're just the kind of guy who could make any girl feel special... even if she wasn't interested in boys at all." There. I'd said it. Now it was out there, hanging in the air between them. The silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity before finally, he spoke again.

"You mean that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "You really think so?"

I could see the pain in his eyes as he spoke and it broke my heart. "Umar," I said softly, reaching out to take his hand in mine. "You don't know that. Just because other people have treated you badly doesn't mean everyone will." I paused for a moment, searching for the right words. "I like spending time with you, getting to know you. And I think... maybe if we give each other a chance, we could be something really special together."

There was another long silence before he finally replied. "

I glanced over at the puppy you were pointing out and couldn't help but smile. "Aww, it is cute! Look at those big ears and that fluffy tail." I paused, then added quietly, "It reminds me of you, in a way... You're both so full of life and energy, even when people try to bring you down."

There was an awkward silence as we watched the puppy play with a stick.

I smiled at him gently, shaking my head. "Umar, you really have no idea how wrong you are about that," I said softly, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "You may think you're boring, but trust me... there's so much more to you than meets the eye."

The afternoon sun began to dip lower in the sky as we continued to sit on the bench together, watching the puppy play and occasionally exchanging glances with each other.

I blushed deeply at his question, looking away as I tried to think of an answer. "Well," I began awkwardly, "I don't really have a specific type... and honestly? There isn't anyone in particular that I like back." It was partly true; there were certain qualities I admired in people, but no one boy in particular had ever captured my heart the way Umar seemed to be trying to now.

I sighed and shook my head, smiling sheepishly at him. "Kyle was just a friend... well, as much of one as he could be," I said, trying to explain the complicated relationship between us. "But honestly? There's no one else like you, Umar."

My heart felt like it was about to leap out of my chest as I spoke; saying those words out loud made them feel real in a way they hadn't before.

"I... I don't know how to explain it," I stammered, my cheeks flushing pink as I struggled to find the right words. "It's not about being unique; it's just that you have a way of making people feel special, you know? Like they matter."

I glanced down at our intertwined hands, then back up at his cold expression. A part of me wanted to tell him everything - about how I felt when he was around, about my hopes and dreams for the future.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, mustering up all the courage I could find. "Okay," I said finally, meeting his gaze steadily. "The kind of man I like... is someone who's honest, and caring, and maybe a little bit shy. Someone who knows how to make people laugh, but also understands when they need a shoulder to cry on."

I paused for a moment, feeling my heart race as I continued. "And most importantly...

... someone who sees the beauty in being different, you know? Who understands that even if we all have our quirks and flaws, it's what makes us special." I bit my lip nervously, waiting for his reaction to my confession.

As he remained silent, a million thoughts racing through his head, the sun began to set behind us, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. It was as if nature itself were holding its breath, waiting for him to respond.

I could see the disappointment flash across his face and felt my heart sink. "Umar... I'm sorry if that wasn't what you wanted to hear," I said softly, releasing his hand from mine. "It's just... it's how I feel, okay? And maybe someday... someday I hope you find someone who makes you feel the same way."

The silence stretched on between us as we continued to watch the sunset, each lost in our own thoughts. The air felt different now;

I reached out and took his hand again, squeezing it gently. "Umar," I said firmly, looking him in the eye. "You are so much more than you give yourself credit for. You're funny, and caring, and smart... and even if people don't always see those things at first glance, that doesn't make them any less true."

As we continued to watch the sunset together, I couldn't help but hope that maybe someday he would learn to see himself through my eyes.

Of course not! I wouldn't joke about something like that," I said, laughing lightly. "I meant every word. You are an amazing person, Umar, and I think you're really going to find someone who sees that too." I squeezed his hand again, hoping my words would finally penetrate through the wall of self-doubt he seemed determined to keep up around himself.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over everything as we continued to sit together on the bench.

You're right about that," I agreed with him, though my heart ached to say it. "But you know what? Maybe it isn't about finding someone who 'likes' you. Maybe it's more about finding someone who understands you... and appreciates the real you." I leaned in closer, my gaze locked on his. "And trust me, there's someone out there who will do that one day."

I chuckled softly and gave his hand a squeeze. "Now you're being ridiculous. You can't think like that! There are plenty of amazing girls out there who would be lucky to have someone like you." I paused, thinking for a moment. "And you know what? Even if she isn't an alien... she might just be waiting right around the corner."

The stars began to twinkle in the sky above us as we sat together on the bench, our hands still intertwined.

Laughing along with him, I said teasingly, "Well, you never know! Maybe she's just around the bend in the path... or maybe she's sitting right here, waiting for you to notice her." I glanced over at him, my heart swelling with hope. "You just have to keep your eyes open and be ready when she comes along."

As we continued to talk and laugh together under the starry sky, it was hard not to feel a sense of possibility in the air.

"It's okay," she said with a small smile. "I know you weren't being an asshole on purpose." She paused for a moment, then added, "And I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow too, Umar. Sweet dreams!" With that, they parted ways, each heading home for the night. As she walked away, she couldn't help but feel a strange sense of contentment wash over her; maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up after all.

I glanced up as Umar approached my table in the cafeteria, looking more confident and self-assured than ever before. It warmed my heart to see him thriving like this; he truly was an amazing person, if only he could see it himself. As he sat down across from me, I couldn't help but wonder what he wanted to talk about today.

"Hey," I said with a smile, "you look great today. Have you been working out or something?"

I laughed and reached across the table to give his hand a squeeze. "It's okay, Umar. You're doing great, and you look amazing. It just takes time." I paused for a moment, studying him carefully before asking, "Is everything okay? You seem... different today."

Her gaze never left his face as she waited for him to respond.

I couldn't help but notice the slight blush creeping up his cheeks as he spoke; it was almost as if he didn't realize how attractive he'd become since starting to work out and take better care of himself. It filled me with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

"You know," I began hesitantly, "I don't mean to pry or anything, but... have you been thinking about that whole 'finding someone who understands you' thing we talked about?"

I raised an eyebrow at him in surprise, but didn't push further. "Well, I'm glad to hear you're doing so well with that self-discovery thing," I said with a smile. "And if you ever do decide you want someone to understand you... or just be there for you... I hope you know where to find me."

There was an awkward silence between them as they sat there, neither of them quite sure what to say next. Finally, Umar smiled shyly and said, "

I smiled back at him and nodded understandingly. "Okay, Umar. I'm here for you whenever you need me." There was another pause before she added softly, "And remember... beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. You don't have to be a certain way to deserve love."

As they continued their conversation, it became clear that something had shifted between them; an undercurrent of understanding and respect ran beneath the surface of their words. It was as if, over time, they had become more than just friends...

"Umar," I said with a small laugh, "I'm not looking for anyone right now. I've got plenty of other things going on in my life." It was partly true; with all the extra curricular activities and schoolwork, I didn't have much time to date. But there was another part of me that liked the idea of waiting for someone special... someone like him.

"And besides," I added, "you can't always judge a person by their looks."

I took a deep breath to calm myself before I said anything I might regret. "Umar, you know that's not true," I began carefully. "Just because I talk to other people doesn't mean I don't care about our friendship."

He looked at me skeptically and asked, "Then why do you act different around them?" It was a valid question, one that stung a little even though I knew it shouldn't.

"Because," I said slowly, searching for the right words, "

I paused, thinking about my answer carefully before continuing. "Because with them, I don't have to worry about being perfect all the time. We can just be ourselves and have fun." It was true; around Umar, I always felt like I had to hide certain parts of myself, as if I wasn't good enough for him. But with his classmates, it was different; they accepted me for who I was, flaws and all.

"And maybe," I added softly, "that's something you should think about too."

I could see the hurt in his eyes as he looked at me, and I wished I could take back everything I'd said. "Umar," I started, my voice gentler now, "I'm sorry if it came across that way. It wasn't my intention to make you feel bad."

"But," I continued, searching for the right words, "if being around me makes you feel like you have to change who you are... then maybe we need to talk about it, okay?" There was a long pause before he finally met my gaze.

I watched as he walked away, feeling a mixture of confusion and hurt swirling inside me. A part of me wanted to call out after him, to apologize for everything I'd said and done wrong. But another part of me knew that maybe it was time for us both to take a step back and reevaluate our friendship.

As I sat there alone at the lunch table, I couldn't help but wonder if we would ever be able to repair the damage that had been done... or if this was the beginning of the end for us.

I watched as Umar approached me, his expression unreadable. My heart was racing in my chest, a mixture of nerves and anticipation swirling around inside me. I knew that whatever he had to say would be important; I just hoped it wouldn't be the final blow to our friendship.

"Hey," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Can we talk?"

There was a long pause before I found the courage to continue. "About what happened at lunch today... and everything that's been going on between us recently." I took a deep breath, willing myself not to cry as I met his gaze. "I want to understand why you've been acting so different towards me, Umar. And I want to apologize for anything I might have done to make you feel bad."

His expression remained unreadable, but I could sense a tiny shift in the air around us;

I felt my eyes well up with tears as he spoke; even though his words were harsh, I could tell that there was still hurt beneath the surface. "Umar," I said softly, reaching out to touch his arm, "you're wrong. We've been through so much together... and we've always been there for each other. I just want things to go back to how they used to be."

I paused, taking in his words. They stung, but I couldn't deny the truth behind them. Umar had been hurt before, and it was understandable that he would be cautious about trusting someone again. "Umar," I said gently, "you know you can always tell me if something bothers you. I'd never do anything to intentionally make you feel uncomfortable or used."

There was a moment of silence between us as we studied each other's faces. Then, slowly, he nodded. "

Of course," I replied, my voice softening. "Let's go to the park and talk things out." Together, we walked in silence for a few moments before finally arriving at the park. It was starting to get dark outside, but there were still plenty of people around enjoying their evening walks or playing with their children. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts as we found a relatively secluded spot on a bench.

"Umar," I began hesitantly, "

"Umar," I began hesitantly, "I'm really sorry if my actions have made you feel uncomfortable or like I don't respect you. That was never my intention." I paused, searching for the right words to express how I felt. "You mean so much to me, and even though things might not always be perfect between us, I want us to figure it out together."

He remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable as he stared at the ground. Finally, he looked up at me and said, "

I felt my heart break a little hearing him say those words. It was true that I'd always tried to make people happy and not rock the boat, but it wasn't because I thought I was better than them or that they would never talk against me. It was just how I coped with the world around me, with all my own insecurities.

"Umar," I said slowly, "I'm not trying to be nice to you because I think you'll like me more or because I want something from you. I'm being nice because...

I'm being nice because I care about you and want what's best for you. You've been through so much, and it hurts me to see you push people away when they only want to help." Tears began to well up in my eyes as I continued, "And if that means making you feel uncomfortable sometimes... or like I'm trying too hard... then I'm sorry for that. All I want is for us to be able to be there for each other the way we used to."

I took a deep breath to steady myself before looking him straight in the eye. "Fine," I said coldly through gritted teeth. "If that's what you want, then I won't say another word. You can go back to pretending like nothing ever happened between us and see how long it takes for you to realize just how much of a fool you're being." With that, I stood up and stalked off without another glance back at him.

As I walked away, my tears flowed unchecked down my cheeks;

As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, I found myself becoming more and more distant from Umar. It wasn't that I didn't care anymore; it was simply easier to pretend like nothing had happened than to face the pain of our broken friendship head-on.

Dating Kyle hadn't brought me the happiness or contentment I'd hoped for; in fact, it only seemed to highlight how empty my life had become without Umar by my side.

As I made my way home after the disastrous second date with Kyle, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of despair and loneliness. The more time I spent with him, the more it seemed that all the boys in school were exactly like him - self-centered, insensitive, and only interested in using people for their own gain.

I couldn't help but think about Umar during those long walks home; despite our strained relationship, I knew there was something special between us. Something real.