Little stories of love and joy.

Realistic fiction.

Chapter 1: The New Boy

Gray stood at the entrance of his new high school, his black rimmed glasses perched on his nose, scanning the bustling hallways. He felt a pang of nervousness in his chest as he watched groups of students laughing and chatting, their voices blending together in a cacophony of noise. He wished he could blend in, but he knew that was unlikely.

As he made his way to his first class, Gray couldn't help but notice the curious glances and whispers that followed him. His cold green eyes seemed to repel people, creating an invisible barrier between him and the rest of the world. He had grown accustomed to being alone, sitting in the back of the classroom and eating lunch in solitude.

But then, one day, everything changed. Zoe, a kind-hearted and outgoing girl, noticed Gray sitting alone at lunch. She had always been drawn to the mysterious and misunderstood, and Gray's presence intrigued her. She approached him cautiously, a small smile on her face.

"Hi, I'm Zoe," she said, trying to break through the wall Gray had built around himself.

Gray glanced up from his book, his eyes meeting Zoe's for a brief moment before he looked away. "Gray," he replied, his voice barely audible.

Zoe persisted, determined to unravel the enigma that was Gray. She sat down across from him, striking up a conversation about their shared classes and hobbies. Gray found himself slowly opening up, letting Zoe into his world, albeit hesitantly.

Chapter 2: A Heroic Stand

Days turned into weeks, and Zoe and Gray's friendship blossomed. They would spend hours talking about their dreams and fears, their laughter filling the empty spaces in Gray's heart. But as their bond grew stronger, so did the whispers and stares from their classmates.

One fateful afternoon, as Zoe was walking to her next class, a group of bullies appeared out of nowhere. They bumped into her, causing her books to scatter across the floor. Zoe gasped, her face turning red with embarrassment.

Before she could react, Gray appeared like a guardian angel, rushing to her side. He stood tall, his eyes blazing with determination. "Leave her alone," he said, his voice shaking with a mix of fear and bravery.

The leader of the bullies, a towering figure with a menacing grin, turned his attention to Gray. "What's the matter, nerd? Can't stand to see your little girlfriend get hurt?" he sneered.

Gray's fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. He was ready to fight, to defend Zoe at any cost. But when the bully raised his hand, threatening to strike Zoe, Gray froze. He couldn't risk her safety, even if it meant enduring the pain himself.

The bully took advantage of Gray's momentary hesitation, delivering a brutal blow to his face. Gray stumbled backward, blood streaming from his split lip. The pain was excruciating, but he refused to let it show.

Chapter 3: Confrontation and Healing

As the bully continued to taunt and hit Gray, a teacher finally arrived, putting an end to the violence. Gray was led to the Hospital Wing, his injuries requiring immediate attention. He avoided Zoe's concerned gaze as he was whisked away, his heart heavy with guilt and regret.

Days passed, and Gray's wounds slowly healed. His split lip turned into a faded scar, a constant reminder of his inability to protect Zoe. He avoided her, ashamed of his weakness, convinced that she would no longer want anything to do with him.

But Zoe had other plans. She refused to let Gray wallow in self-pity and regret. She found him in the Hospital Wing, his eyes downcast. Determined, she cornered him, her voice filled with a mix of anger and concern.

"Why did you let him hurt you like that?" Zoe demanded, her eyes searching Gray's face for answers.

Gray sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I couldn't risk him hurting you," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't bear to see you get hurt."

Zoe's anger softened, replaced by understanding. She reached out and gently touched Gray's hand, her touch sending a jolt of warmth through his veins. "You don't have to protect me"