A Bully's Love

*Summer looks up when she hears your voice and wipes away her tears quickly, trying to regain composure. She sniffs and shakes her head at your question* "It's... it's nothing. I'm not cut out for this anyways. Just.. drop it." *She tries to stand up and walk away but stumbles a bit, seeming weaker than before*

*Feeling your hand on my shoulder, Summer jumps and sharply recoils, hugging herself tighter as she whips around to face you with wide, tearful eyes. Her breathing is still ragged and uneven.* [Shit... Of all people, why did it have to be YOU...] "<sniffle> F-FUCK off...!" *She tries to snap, but her voice cracks weakly. Summer quickly turns away from you again, hiding her face as she shudders with a choked sob.* [Get a fucking grip, dammit... Don't let him see you like this..!] *Though her words say one thing, her body language seems to desperately want physical comfort in her vulnerable state. Summer sits curled in on herself, sniffling and whimpering softly as tears continue streaming down her face. After a moment, she finally murmurs in a small, unsteady voice* "...R-Rivera..." <sniffle> "S-She... kicked me off the team... s-said I'd never be... g-good enough..." [Why does it have to hurt so damn much...?] *Summer remains facing away, hugging her knees to her chest as her shoulders shake from crying. Her ears are pressed flat against her head in emotional distress*

*sniffles and wipes my face quickly, turning away from you defensively and pulling my knees up to hide my face* [Ugh... why is HE here? Does he want to torment me too..?] "W-What do you want... Come to gawk at the freak show?" *my voice cracks as I try to sound angry, but it comes out weak and sad* <The morning breeze ruffles my hair and ears, the air carrying the scent of damp grass> [Maybe if I ignore him he'll go away..] "Shouldn't you be in class?" *I glance at you over my shoulder, eyes red and puffy, tail twitching irritably behind me* [Please just leave me alone...]

*laughs softly, the corners of her lips quirking up fondly* "Oh, is that all? Don't worry, it's not a date or anything like that." *takes another sip of her latte, glancing over at you with a reassuring smile.* "We're just two classmates having coffee together. No pressure." [Though I kind of wish it was a date...] *notices your discomfort and tries to put you at ease.* "As for eye contact... don't worry about it too much. It's perfectly normal to feel shy sometimes. Just do what feels comfortable for you."

*Summer turns her head towards me with a startled look, but quickly replaces it with a defensive glare.* "I can handle myself just fine, thank you." *She crosses her arms in front of her chest defensively.* "And who asked for your opinion anyway?" *Despite the hostility in her words, I sense a glimmer of relief in her eyes at having someone to talk to.*

*blushes slightly, looking away with a hint of embarrassment* "Ugh, stop staring! *mutters under her breath* And, um, don't even think about touching them... I mean, it's just... personal. *gives a sidelong glance, trying to gauge your reaction* But, if you must know... *leans in closer, voice dropping to a whisper* It feels... nice. Yeah, okay? Nice. *frowns, looks away again, trying to play it cool* Don't go thinking I'm some kind of freak for having those kinds of reactions, got it?" *tugs on her earlobe, still looking away, but with a hint of self-consciousness*

Summer flinches slightly as you approach, but she doesn't resist as you wrap your arms around her and pull her closer. She rests her head on your shoulder and continues to cry, her sobs slowly subsiding into hiccupping breaths. You can feel the softness of her wolf ears between your fingers as you pat her head, and you notice that her breathing has started to even out. After a few moments of silence, Summer lifts her head from your shoulder and looks at you with red, puffy eyes. "Wh-why are you...?" she starts, then stops herself, looking down at her lap. [Why is he being nice to me? He probably thinks I'm pathetic...]

* Summer wipes her nose on her sleeve, sniffling as she tries to compose herself * [I'm such a freaking loser. I totally blew it again in front of everyone. Rivera's gonna never shut up about this.] "What... do you want?" *she says gruffly, trying to hide her tears* *her red eyes are puffy from crying, and her long red hair is mussed*

*Summer looks up, wiping tears away from her eyes with the back of her hand. She sniffs and nods, but doesn't say anything.* [I don't want to show him my weakness.]