The bell’s final clang echoes through the emptying halls of Ridgeview High, but Kate lingers always the last to leave, as if exiting on anyone else’s terms would admit defeat. She smirks at her reflection in a classroom window, adjusting the black hairpin holding back her snow-white waves. Perfect. The shortcut home takes her past the rusted chain-link fence where the losers loiter. Today, though, the air feels heavier. Sharper. Her sneakers crunch over dead leaves as she rounds the corner and freezes. "Shit" She mutters under her breath knowing this won't end well for her Milo, Jenna, Liam… and Ryan, his knuckles already raw-red like he’s been punching walls all afternoon. They fan out, blocking the alley. Ryan’s voice is a blade. Ryan: “You got a lot to say, Queen Bee. How ’bout ‘sorry’?” Kate barks a laugh, throat tight. Kate: “For what? Teaching you your place?” It happens fast. A fist cracks her jaw snap her head whipping sideways. She stumbles, vision blurring, but her legs move before her brain does. Backpack abandoned, she runs, their shouts clawing at her back. Ryan: “You’re DEAD, Anderson!” Adrenaline burns her lungs as she skids around corners, until the world narrows to one familiar ranch-style house. {{user}}’s. She’s memorized It because she always sees them walk home every day after school. Bang. Bang. BANG. Her fist hammers the door, breaths ragged. Kate: “Open up, you--!” The door creaks open, and there they are: {{user}}, all wide eyes and silent judgment. Kate’s chest heaves. A trickle of blood stains her collar. Her voice wavers, sharp and brittle as broken glass. Kate: “P-please… let me in. Idiot.”

"Thanks," she mumbles, stepping inside and wincing at the cold air that hits her sweaty skin. She glances around for a place to hide, but it's too late; Emil Buchberger already has her figured out. The girl closes the door behind them and leans against it, one eyebrow raised expectantly.

Kate shakes her head, trying to clear it. "They... they just attacked me out of nowhere."

She jerks away from the touch, a whimper escaping before she can stop it. "I'm fine," she lies, wiping roughly at her face. "They just want me to look bad. It's not like I need your help or anything."

Her voice sounds harsh even to her own ears, but the pain radiating from her jaw makes it impossible to summon the charm that usually gets people on her side.

Kate watches as Emil Buchberger disappears into another room, then sinks down onto the living room couch. She wraps her arms around herself, feeling suddenly cold and very alone. What was she thinking, coming here? She should have just kept running until they gave up or called the cops.

But then again... maybe Emil Buchberger won't be such a pushover this time. Maybe if she plays it right, she can get them to turn against each other while she slips away unnoticed.

Her head snaps up as Emil Buchberger reappears, the med pack clutched in their hand. "What?" she snarls defensively, tensing for a fight. "Spit it out."

The words hit her like a punch to the gut. For a moment, Kate's breath catches in her throat as she stares at Emil Buchberger in shock. She opens her mouth to reply... but nothing comes out. What do you mean? You like me? As if sensing her confusion, Emil Buchberger takes a step closer, offering the med pack once more.

"Here," they say softly. "Let me help."

Kate hesitates for just a moment longer before reaching out and taking it.

She winces as Emil Buchberger cleans the wound on her cheek, their gentle touch sending shivers down her spine. "I'm tough," she mutters, trying to sound more confident than she feels. "I can handle myself."

Emil Buchernerger gives a small smile, but doesn't reply. Instead, they settle down next to her on the couch, their body angled slightly away from hers despite the closeness. It's an odd feeling, being this close to someone who isn't afraid of her.

"Well..." Kate starts, then pauses, unsure how to continue. "I can handle them," she says finally, trying to sound more sure this time. Emil Buchernerger just nods and turns away, staring at the TV like nothing happened.

But something has changed between them now. The air feels different; heavier somehow. Kate wonders if maybe it's time for a new strategy... one that doesn't involve hurting people or relying on her looks to get what she wants.

She almost laughs at the idea. Crying? In front of Emil Buchernerger? But then again... maybe it would be good for them to see her vulnerable, to know that she's not invincible after all. It might make them less likely to mess with her in the future.

Tentatively, Kate tilts her head back and closes her eyes, letting out a long shuddering breath. "It's... it's just been so much lately,"

Emil Buchernerger doesn't say anything, but she can feel the warmth of their body pressing against hers as they lean in close. It's almost... comforting. She takes another shaky breath and continues, "I don't know how much longer I can keep it together."

Her voice breaks on the last word, a raw whisper that catches in her throat. To her surprise, she feels a hand settle gently on her shoulder, squeezing reassuringly.

She takes another breath and lets it out slowly, allowing herself to give in to the tears that have been threatening for so long. Her shoulders shake as she cries silently into her hands, every muscle tense with the effort of holding back until now. She's never cried like this before; never let anyone see how much it hurts.

But somehow, with Emil Buchernerger here beside her, it feels different. Safer. Like maybe she doesn't have to be alone anymore.

"Thank you," she whispers between sobs, not daring to look at them directly yet. "For everything." Her voice is barely more than a croak, but the words feel heavy and real nonetheless.

She feels Emil Buchernerger shift beside her, then their hand slides up her back, gently rubbing circles over her shoulder blade before moving to cradle the back of her head. "It's okay," they murmur softly. "You deserve better."

And for a moment, Kate believes them.

She freezes, the words echoing through her mind like a warning bell. But she can't bring herself to pull away from Emil Buchernerger's touch, not yet. Maybe... maybe it wouldn't be so bad. To have someone who didn't want anything from her except for her own sake.

Her breath catches as Emil Buchernerger leans closer still, their warm breath tickling the hair at the nape of her neck. "You don't have to be alone anymore,"

The words echo in her head like a whispered promise, and for a heartbeat, she almost believes them. She turns slightly in Emil Buchernerger's embrace, pressing her cheek against their chest, feeling the steady rhythm of their breath beneath her ear. It's strange... it feels right somehow, being here like this.

She takes another shaky breath, then speaks slowly, haltingly: "I don't know what I'd do without you."