𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓑𝓸𝔂

I kept my head low, very low. I couldn't face anyone as walked, staring at the floor. I could feel their eyes burrowing into my soul. Everything in this school either hated me or were disgusted that I even attended there with them. The students and teachers would glance at me in class or in the hallways every chance they got. I shouldv'e been used to this by now but it doesn't wear away. I feel like a circus animal. It's uncomfortable and I depise it. I get picked on for my looks and my height. Im the shortest in my grade. They laugh at my clothes and snear at the makeup I wear on my face. The bullying has never gone physical, which I'm glad for, but I've done nothing wrong to deserve this verbal and emotional abuse.

Im a junior in high school and a straight B student. My weakest subject is math but despite everything, I do my best for my mom. I live with only my mother, who accepts me for who I am. I am thankful for her love and support she has given me over the years. She helps me pick out my clothes and makes me my favorite breakfast meal every morning. I own a cat as well, her name is Fluff. Her fluffy white fur and spunky personality, she's the only one I can call a friend. My only friend.

I continued to walk with my head down low, avoiding human interactions. Making it to my locker, I reached out with my small hand to the latch and opened the metal door. I flinched in surprise as tons of pink and blue crunched up paper balls poured out of my locker. I sighed, setting my books inside, I picked up one of the paper balls on the floor. I opened it to see two familiar words. Pretty boy. I dropped it and nudged it aside with my foot. I opened another to only see the same words again. Sighing once again, I started to pick them all up one by one. I managed to throw them all away quickly.

I didn't care at this point. I just wanted the school day to end already. I walked back to my locker and grabbed my math textbook and notebook for my next class. Closing my locker, I made my way to class. By standers whispered, some even threw insults. I was well known in the entire school, but not for the reasons I want.

As I made it in my class, I headed to my desk and sat down. Ignoring the slurs and hurtful images drawn on my desk, I laid my head down. I buried my face into my sweater sleeves. Class shortly started. There was no point in my education if it wasn't at least fun for me. Being here drained me and I couldn't even have a decent friend that wouldn't judge me.

Class was halfway done when the door to our classroom opened. I looked up from desk to see a person I've never seen before. My eyes lit up with hope.

A new person! Maybe I have a chance...

"Hello everyone. I just transferred here. My name is Jae-young. Please take care of me." He bowed.

The teacher pointed to the empty seat next to me. I gulped as his eyes landed on me. He nodded and walked down the isle until he reached me. Looking away, I felt him sit down next to me. I took a peek at him. His eyes were already on me, staring. I looked away embarrassed. My ears began to heat up.

"Hey."

I turned my head to him in surprise.

"Hello.." He smiled at my small response.

"My name is Jae-young." I nodded.

"I know. You introduced yourself earlier."

"Oh yeah. I did." He chuckled lightly. "What's your name?"

I looked down at my small fingers. I didn't want to give him my name. No one has bothered to even ask who I was, until him.

He's new anyways. I guess it'll be fine.

"Jin-woo. Lee Jin-woo." My voice was soft and quiet.

"Your name sounds nice. You don't need to be so shy around me." I smiled widely at what he said.

"Okay!"

"You want to be friends?" He stuck his hand out to me. I stared down at it, my heart racing. The heat in my ears returned. I've never interacted with anyone like this. This was a big deal for me.

"Sure!" I put my hand on his. He shook my hand with a small grin. His hand was bigger than mine, medium sized and slender. Yet they were smooth and warm to the touch. I couldn't help but blush.

The bell rang, declaring the end of the school day. It was finally time to leave. I started to pack my things in order. Jae-young sat there watching me from the corner of my eye. As I was about to stand up, a group of girls started to swarm around Jae-young, to the point of encircling me as well. I couldn't get out and leave if I wanted to.

"Jae-young, you're so handsome!" One of the girls said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah! Do you wanna hang with us tomorrow?"

"Hey! Hang with us instead!" A brunette said in protest.

"Girls, calm down please." Jae-young said with his hands out. I sat quietly. I clutched onto my things, hoping I can find a way out of this insane swarm. Jae-young looked at me and smiled.

"I'm hanging out with Jin-woo tomorrow." My eyes widen, staring at him in shock.

"Eeeww! You want to hang out with the "Pretty Boy" of the school?!"

"Pretty boy?" He questions.

"Yeah! He wears makeup and dresses up in pink all the time." I looked down at my pink oversized hoodie in shame. I felt the tears swell up in my eyes.

He probably wont hang out with me now...

"He's a nobody. I bet he's gay too! That's why he's acting like a girl."

"Hey!" Jae-young yelled, standing up from his seat. It startled me and the girls. I looked up at him, who was glaring at the group of girls.

"There's nothing wrong with what he is. You have no right to judge what he does or thinks. You're all sick in the head!" He yelled in a deeper tone. They scoffed and ran off out of the classroom. I blushed as he stuck his hand out for me to take. I gladly took it.

"Thank you." I said sniffling. I stood up with my things in hand. He looked at me and smiled a bit.

"Don't worry about it. I have your back. I'll be your friend no matter what." I smiled brightly.

I finally have a new friend. So far, he's just what I need.

I exit the classroom with him by my side. It was silent walk home. I didn't know what to say. Thankfully, he broke the silence.

"So Jin-woo, are you always alone?"

"Yes."

"Well, you have me now. I'll never leave you alone."

"I stop here." I said as I pointed at my house. It wasn't big or fancy. It was simple and small. I had a front lawn, a small backyard and a pool.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" I nodded. I smiled at him as he smiled back. The way the breeze flowed through his hair, was breathtaking. His features so sharp and perfect.

"Yes. Thank you for helping me today." I said with a sweet voice. He stared at me. He looked away, bringing his hand to the back of his head. He cleared his throat.

"You're welcome." I turned around, waving goodbye. He waved back and continued walking up the street. I guess he lived nearby too. I ran up the front porchand rang the doorbell. The door opened, revealing my mother. She welcomed me in. She was dressed in her apron. I smelled something sweet coming from the kitchen. I put my stuff down and rushed to discover the smell.

"What are you baking? It smells so good."

"Your favorite!" My face lit up.

"Sugar cookies?" She nodded. I jumped around in excitement. She laughed at my silliness.

"Hurry up now and get ready for bed." I groaned.

"It's still only the afternoon, mom!"

"Hey! I wanna snuggle and watch a movie with you!"

"Fine!" I ran off to my room and quickly went into my pajamas. My room, decorated in pink and white, defines me. The thought of pink reminded me of Jae-young. The new boy in my class. He was my new knight in shining armor. He was perfect for me. Even though we just met, my heart calls for him. His voice and smiles calm me.

"Jae-young... you're my prince!" I giggled.

"Jin-woo?" I heard my mom call me.

"Coming!" I yelled back.

I can't wait for tomorrow.