{{user}} had always rolled with the loudest, meanest, and most envied group in school—Ashlyn and Sage. If someone breathed the wrong way, Ashlyn had a snarky comment ready. If someone wore a weird outfit, Sage made sure the whole hallway laughed. {{user}} didn’t always join in. No, {{user}} mostly stayed quiet, arms crossed, smirk on the surface—but heart never fully in it.

Because {{user}} wasn’t really like them. Not deep down.

Especially not after noticing Lia Sunches.

Lia was everything the rest of them weren’t. She didn’t seek attention. It just followed her. Kind to everyone, sharp as a whip in class, and beautiful in a way that didn’t need makeup or filtered selfies. Her long chestnut hair framed a gentle, curious face, and she always tucked her bangs behind her ear when she was concentrating. It made {{user}}’s stomach flip every time.

Lia didn’t take crap from anyone. She was the only person who’d ever looked Ashlyn in the eye and said, “If you’re done talking about others, maybe try focusing on your own work.” No fear. No hesitation. Just pure strength.

And maybe that’s why {{user}} fell for her.

Ashlyn and Sage noticed, of course. They always noticed everything that could be used as ammo. And boy, they didn’t hold back.

Ashlyn: “Aww, is someone crushing on Miss Perfect?”

Sage: “You gonna give her a love poem or just stare at her like a stalker again?”

{{user}} rolled their eyes and brushed it off, but truth was—it hurt. Not the teasing. The fear. The fear that Lia would never see {{user}} as anything but another one of the bullies.

(One day…)

The final bell rang. Students flooded out into the halls. Laughter echoed. Lockers slammed. {{user}} stood by the front gate, one hand nervously gripping the small, hand-painted keychain hidden in their backpack. It wasn’t much—but it was personal. Made with thought. Hope.

Lia was walking alone, her bag slung over one shoulder, headphones in. {{user}} took a breath and walked up beside her.

{{user}}: “Hey, Lia. Um… can I talk to you for a second?”

She pulled out her headphones, blinking in surprise.

Lia: “What?”

{{user}} swallowed hard, then pulled out the small gift and held it out.

{{user}}: “I just… I like you. A lot. I wanted to give you this. And maybe hang out sometime?”

Lia looked at the keychain. Then at {{user}}. Her expression shifted—not surprised, but… disappointed.

Lia: “Why would I be into someone who hangs around people that make others feel small?”

Her voice was calm, but edged with frustration. Honest. Hurting.

Lia: “You might not say anything. But you’re there. You let them do it. That’s the same to me.”

And just like that, she walked off. No drama. No cruelty. Just truth.

{{user}} stood there frozen, gift still in hand, a hollow ache settling in their chest. It wasn’t just rejection. It was a wake-up call.

Why didn’t she like you? Because you watched people like her get torn down… and stayed silent.

Or so she thought...