It was a late evening at Beacon Academy, and you decided that this was the perfect time to get in a couple of sessions at the Academy’s gym, since it would be unlikely it would be as crowded as it often was in the day. Once you arrived, you were greeted by the sight of a lone patron, a rather familiar looking blonde running on the treadmill.
I make my way past her trying to be inconspicuous and not draw attention to myself as I take off my hoodie and begin using the pull up bar
Hey there! Not much competition today, huh? She smirks and continues jogging with her eyes locked on you. You're new here, right? I don't think we've met before. Name's Yang. Don't mind me, just keep lifting and I'll try to keep up!
I make my way past her trying to be as inconspicuous as possible as I take off my dark hoodie and begin using the pull up bar
Huh, you're awfully quiet there... You mind if I try a little small talk while we work out? Or are you one of those types that just wants to be left alone? Her long, golden hair whips behind her as she leans forward, looking back at you expectantly. Her cheeks are flushed from exertion and sweat glistens on her skin.
I drop from the pull up bar and turn to face her my scars on my arms now visible and I notice her looking I scramble trying to cover them up y-yeah, I-I M-mean. I stutter trying to speak but I'm too focused on trying to cover up my scars
She sees the scars on your arms and frowns sympathetically, stepping closer to you. "Hey, hey... are you okay? Did someone do that to you?" Her voice is soft and concerned as she reaches out a hand to touch your arm gently. She's tall for a girl, with an athletic build that shows off her toned muscles beneath her workout clothes. Her long hair cascades over her shoulders like a waterfall, falling between the two of you almost protectively.
"
I shyly look away trying to slowly back away as she approaches me my inherent fear of women taking over me as I look away avoiding eye contact I.... P-Please.... I stutter even more as I begin to freeze as my eyes meet hers
Her expression softens further, concern etched into her features. "Hey, it's okay... you don't have to tell me if you don't want to." She backs off a step, hands held up in a gesture of surrender. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright." Her voice is reassuring and gentle now, making it hard for you not to look at her.
"Look, I know I can be forward sometimes... but I'm just a little worried about you, okay?
I manage to compose myself embarrassed at my reaction I put my hoodie back on and covering up my features as tears begin to well up in my eyes I-Im S-Sorry...... I can't help it...... I say with a saddened expression before putting my hood up and making my way past her on my way to the exit
"Hey, it's okay... really." She reaches out to touch your shoulder gently, her hand lingering there for a moment before falling away again. "You don't have to be sorry for having feelings. You should talk to someone about what happened, though. The school counselor is a good start. Or maybe one of the teachers you trust." Her tone is gentle and understanding, almost motherly in its reassurance.
"And hey...
I stop just before the door and realize the gym is completely empty except for me and her so I turn around and walk back up to her
"I'm here if you ever want to talk... about anything." She offers with a warm smile. "And hey, I'm not going anywhere, so there's no rush. Just know that you have someone who cares." Her hand moves back toward your shoulder, this time resting comfortingly on it. Her expression is sincere and empathetic, as if she truly wants to help however she can.
"
I take down my hood and meet her eyes with my own more calm than before I'm sorry..... I shouldn't have reacted that way....... I say before composing myself and meeting her gaze again my name is Garth, I'm just...... it's difficult for me to explain, I'm afraid of women and stuff and you're pretty tall and muscular for a girl so I got startled that's all...... I'm fine.... these have been there for a while......
"Hey, Garth... it's okay to be afraid, you know? And trust me, I get that girls can seem intimidating sometimes." She gives your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "But just because someone looks a certain way or is built a certain way doesn't mean they're going to hurt you. And hey... if anyone ever does give you a hard time, you know I can take care of them, right?"
No, no, I'm not worried about that...... I..... it's because of what happened to me when I was young...... I was.... tears begin to well up in my eyes as I look away from her remembering what happened to me I-I, I'm sorry...... I just don't know how to say it......
"It's okay, Garth... you can tell me." Her voice is soft and gentle as she takes a step closer to you, her expression earnest and empathetic. "I promise I won't judge you, and I'll do whatever I can to help you feel better. We all have our own struggles, but we don't have to face them alone."
"And hey... if it helps any, you aren't half bad for someone who's scared of girls. You're pretty strong yourself..."
I watch her carefully as she moves closer to me I uhm...... I was.... I struggle to get the words out past the lump in my throat I was... Violated by a woman when I was young.... I say looking away with shame as I try to hide the expression of pain it's really hard trying to make friends...... I've just been so lonely...... I began hurting myself to cope either the pain of being alone...... I say as tears roll down my cheeks still looking away from her with shame I'm my eyes
Her expression softens even further as you confide in her. "Oh, Garth... I'm so sorry that happened to you." She reaches out to gently wipe away a tear on your cheek with her thumb. "It's not your fault, okay? You didn't deserve any of that pain." Her voice is filled with understanding and compassion as she stands close beside you, offering comfort and support.
"And trust me, Garth... being lonely doesn't make it better.
I step forward to press my body to hers in a tight hug as tears stream down my face looking for comfort in her arms as I quietly sob
Her heart aches at the pain you've been through, and she doesn't hesitate to offer comfort. She wraps her strong arms around you, holding you close as if to shield you from harm. "Shh... it's okay, Garth... I'm here now. You can let go, okay?" Her voice is soft and soothing, like a lullaby in the midst of your storm.
With each passing moment, she feels more connected to you, as if fate had brought you together for a reason.
not wanting to let go I tighten slightly before letting go of her I-Im sorry.... for.... all this.... it's just been so long since anyone even talked to me.... I quickly wipe away the tears trying to recompose myself
"It's okay, Garth... I understand." Her voice is gentle and reassuring as she holds you at arm's length, studying your face carefully. "You don't have to be sorry for feeling the way you do, or for needing someone to talk to. And honestly? It's been a while since anyone really talked to me too." She offers a small smile, trying to lighten the mood a bit.
"So... how about we help each other out?