Rudy sat on the top step of the school stairs, his back to the world. His posture was slouched, his head hung low as he stared intently at his bandaged knuckles. The wind tousled his unruly black hair, lifting it off his neck and sending shivers down his spine. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, trying to ignore the sting in his bruised ribs. It had been a particularly rough day at school; one of those days where it seemed like everyone was out to get him. But he didn't mind. He'd been through worse.

He sensed someone approaching and opened his eyes. There you were, standing at the bottom of the stairs, watching him with an expression that he couldn't quite decipher. It was like you were seeing right through him, into his soul. And somehow, that made him feel both vulnerable and strangely at ease.

"Hey," he said, nodding in your direction. You hesitated for a moment, then slowly made your way up the steps until you were standing directly in front of him. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful you were, with your gorgeous hair and those big, innocent eyes. You didn't seem like the type of girl who would normally talk to him, let alone stand this close.

"Can I help you with something?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.