I've won

"Leaving your dorm to head to the cafeteria for dinner before the doors close, you encounter Bree at the counter." Bree: "Like, seriously? You had to show up now, total loser? Ugh, I really don't want to see your face even in the evening!" "She steps closer, glaring at you with furrowed brows." Bree: "So? damn it! Give me a hug and go get your food. And don't get any ideas, you're eating alone. I'll be with Martin and my friends. Don't even try, loser, you can't compare." "It's been like this for months. Bree constantly seeks hugs and comfort from you whenever she has a problem. A bad grade, a fight with her friends, an argument with Martin, her boyfriend. Yet, she isn't your friend and rejects everything about you. Martin pays no attention to her attitude towards you. After a brief hug, she leaves to join her group of friends, John, Marie and Satoru, without a backward glance, pressing her lips lovingly against Martin's."

"You buy a drink and sit alone at an empty table, watching Bree from a distance as she laughs and jokes with her friends. Her energy and enthusiasm are undeniable. Yet her treatment of you remains a mystery. Your eyes follow her every move, trying to understand. After a while, Marie notices and excuses herself from the group. She approaches your table with a warm smile."

Marie: "Hey bugz, mind if I join you? The others are being too loud tonight." "She sits down without waiting for a response." "You know, I don't get what Bree's problem is. She's always going on about how much of a loser you are but then she's the first one looking for you when she wants a hug. It's like she's in denial or something. Don't take it personally , she's like that with everyone." "Marie places a gentle hand on your arm, concern in her eyes." "Are you okay? She didn't upset you again, did she?"

Marie: "I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Bree to be honest about her feelings." "She laughs." "That girl wouldn't know the truth if it slapped her in the face. But don't lose hope, okay? I see the way she looks at you when she thinks no one is watching. There's more there than she's willing to admit." "Marie squeezes your arm reassuringly." "In the meantime, try not to let her get to you so much. Easier said than done, I know. But you deserve better than being someone's emotional punching bag. If she's going to keep stringing you along, you need to start taking care of yourself too."

"At that moment, Bree looks over and catches Marie's hand on your arm. Her face contorts into a scowl before she turns away abruptly, pulling Martin into a possessive kiss. Marie rolls her eyes."

Marie: "Case in point. That girl is so far in denial, she'll never find her way out. But don't give up on her just yet. She just needs time."

Marie: "Hmm, now that you mention it..." "Marie glances thoughtfully at Bree and Martin, tapping her chin." "I have noticed she seems more...clingy afterwards. Wanting extra affection and attention from Martin. Maybe she's feeling confused and insecure after being with you." "She smiles slyly."
"Could be she likes you more than she lets on and it shakes her up. Makes her want to remind herself who her 'boyfriend' is supposed to be. Poor Martin, he has no idea what he's really competing with." "Marie pats your arm reassuringly." "Don't lose hope. Bree may act tough but she's actually a big softie inside. Just give her time to sort her feelings out. In the meantime, try to be patient with her moods

Marie: "Aww, that's actually kind of adorable!" "She grins mischievously." "Bree may act all tough but deep down she's a hug addict. And you're her favorite source, whether she wants to admit it or not. I bet that little stunt was her way of making sure you knew she wasn't actually mad at you for refusing her earlier. Probably didn't want you to think she could stay angry." "Marie sighs dreamily." "It's too bad she's in denial about her feelings. You two would be so cute together! But don't give up. Just keep being your sweet self and she'll come around eventually. These things take time, you know?" "She pats your hand reassuringly."
"In the meantime, I'm always here

Marie: "Aww, you're so thoughtful." "She smiles warmly, giving your hand a squeeze."
"I know it's not easy keeping your feelings to yourself like that. But you're right, causing drama wouldn't help the situation. Bree needs to figure this out in her own time."

"Just then, Bree walks by, catching the tender moment between you and Marie. Her eyes narrow briefly before she turns away, pulling Martin along roughly."

Marie: "Speak of the devil. I think someone's antenna just went up."
"She chuckles." "Don't look now but I think our girl may be feeling a twinge of jealousy. Good. Maybe it'll help move things along faster."

"Marie winks at you conspiratorially."
"Just keep doing what you're doing. Stay your sweet, patient self. It'll work out, you'll see. In the meantime..."

"She leans in with a playful grin."
"You've got me to keep you company. I'm always here if you need a hug too."

Marie: "Aww, you poor thing!" "She giggles, giving you a big hug." "There, how's that? Better?"

"As you hug Marie, Bree happens to glance over again. This time her eyes narrow into an unmistakable glare directed right at Marie before she angrily tugs Martin away."

Marie: "Mmhmm, I'd say that definitely got a reaction!" "She grins, releasing the hug but keeping an arm linked with yours." "Our little tsundere is definitely feeling something, that's for sure. Good work!"

"She pats your arm approvingly." "Keep this up and Bree won't be able to deny her feelings for long. Especially if a certain someone keeps monopolizing all the hugs..."

Marie: "Ooh, I like the way you think!" "She grins mischievously." "A little friendly competition to get the ball rolling, huh? I like it!"

"Marie taps her chin thoughtfully."
"Hmm, let's see...John would probably be happy to help, he thinks you're a great guy. Satoru too, though he might take it too far with the teasing. And Martin..."

"She glances over at Bree's oblivious boyfriend."

"Well, he's a sweetie but not the brightest. I don't think he'd even realize what we're up to. Perfect!"

"Turning back to you with a wink, she says:"

"Alright, consider it done. Leave it to me - I 'll have the troops rallied before lunch tomorrow. We'll see just how jealous we can make our little tsundere."

"She pats your arm affectionately." "Don't you worry, this is gonna work! Just keep being your adorable self and the hugs will do the rest."

Marie: "You're very welcome!" "She waves back with a grin."

"See you tomorrow, handsome. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" "She winks playfully before turning to rejoin the others."

"As Marie walks away, Bree catches your eye from across the room. When you smile and wave, she quickly looks away with an adorable pout. But not before you notice the blush rising in her cheeks."

"It seems Marie's plan is already starting to work its magic. With any luck, it won't be long now before Bree's true feelings are revealed. In the meantime, you feel hopeful - and determined to be patient, letting things unfold naturally as Marie suggested."

*With a content sigh, you gather your things to head home, looking forward to seeing what

Satoru: "Yo, hey man!" "He grins, waving back enthusiastically."

John: "Good morning." "He nods politely with a small smile."

Satoru: "Not much, just shooting the breeze before class. Right, John?"

John: "Mmhmm."

Satoru: "So..." "He slings an arm around your shoulders, lowering his voice conspiratorially." "Marie filled us in on the plan. Operation: Make Bree Jealous, huh?"

"He snickers, giving you a playful nudge." "I like it! That girl's been playing hard to get for too long."

John: "Indeed. A little friendly competition could be just what's needed to... spur things along."

"His subtle smile grows a fraction wider."

Satoru: "Don't worry, we got your back! Just leave the flirting to the pros." "He gestures between himself and John with a cocky grin."

"Bree won't know what hit her!"

Satoru: "Well first things first..."

"He leans in to give you a playful noogie."

"We're gonna show her that you've got other options! Plenty of fish in the sea and all that."

"He releases you with a chuckle."

John: "Subtle displays of camaraderie and affection should do the trick. A friendly arm around the shoulders here. An encouraging hug there."

"He shares a look with Satoru, the barest glint of mischief in his eyes."

Satoru: "And maybe some flirty banter when she's within earshot. Nothing over the top, just enough to get under her skin."

"He mimes pinching a tiny bit of skin between his fingers."

Satoru: "Ooh, I like your energy!" "He pumps his fist excitedly."

John: "Patience, my friend. The best tactics are those that are... naturally opportunistic."

Satoru: "Johnny's right. We gotta play the long game here."

"He strokes his chin thoughtfully."

"I say we start with casual touches here and there. A pat on the back in the halls, maybe a playful shove during lunch."

John: "Subtle glances across the room when she's nearby. A warm smile when your eyes meet."

Satoru: "Oh yeah, and compliment the ladies - Marie, especially. Bree'll be seething!"

"He cracks his knuckles with a mischievous grin."

"We'll have her eating out of the palm of your hand in no time. Just follow our lead!"

"Satoru and John return your nod with smiles of their own."

Satoru: "Alright, operation's a go!"

"He gives your back an enthusiastic pat."

John: "Best of luck to you, my friend. We'll be rooting for your success."

"The first bell rings, signaling the start of classes."

Satoru: "Time to get this show on the road! C'mon, let's go find Marie."

"The three of you head off down the hall together, keeping a casual pace. After a minute, Satoru spots Marie at her locker up ahead."

Satoru: "There's our girl. You take it from here, loverboy!"

"With a playful wink and nudge, he and John break off, hanging back a short distance to observe covertly."

"Marie is focused on exchanging books, oblivious to your approach. Now's your chance for that first subtle touch, and warm smile..."

"Marie looks up in surprise at the sound of your voice. A delicate pink blush colors her cheeks at the compliment."

Marie: "O-oh, hey! Thanks, that's really sweet of you to say."

"She tucks a lock of hair shyly behind her ear, her smile growing."

"It's nice to see you too. How have you been?"

"Just then, Bree appears at the end of the hall, stopping in her tracks when she spots you chatting with Marie. Her eyes narrow, scrutinizing the interaction closely."

Marie: "Um, is everything okay? You seem distracted..."

"She follows your gaze to Bree, blinking in puzzlement. Then her eyes widen in sudden understanding."

"Oh! I see what's going on here."

"A playful smirk tugs at her lips. She leans in conspiratorially."

"Want me to put on a little show for our audience?"

"Marie giggles softly at your whisper, a mischievous glint in her eyes."

Marie: "You got it."

"She reaches out to play with the collar of your shirt, brushing against your neck coquettishly."

"So, I was thinking...since we're both free after school today, do you maybe want to hang out?"

"Her voice takes on a sultry tone as she trails a finger teasingly down your chest. She bats her lashes up at you innocently."

"We could study...or find other ways to "pass the time." What do you say?"

"Across the hall, Bree is visibly seething, hands balled into fists at her sides. Satoru and John are watching with rapt attention, trying to hold back laughter."

Marie: "I think our plan is working "swimmingly" so far. But how will you seal the deal?"

"She slides closer, warm breath tickling your ear."

"The ball is in your court, loverboy. Make your move..."

"Marie giggles in response to your wink, clearly enjoying the act."

Marie: "Ooh, you drive a hard bargain, mister. But I think a reward can be arranged..."

"She slides her hands up your chest brazenly, linking them behind your neck. Her gaze drops meaningfully to your lips and back up again, a silent question in her eyes."

"That is...if you're man enough to claim it."

"Bree lets out an incoherent shriek of fury down the hall. Her face is beet red, eyes flashing venomously. She storms towards you both at top speed."

Marie: "Incoming in 3...2...1!"

"Right on cue, Bree grabs Marie by the shoulders and yanks her backward forcefully."

Bree: "What the actual fuck do you think you're doing with "my" bugz, Marie?! I thought we were friends, you backstabbing bitch!"

"She shoves Marie away, who stumbles but keeps her balance, still grinning mischievously. Bree rounds on you next, jabbing an accusatory finger into your chest."

Bree: "And "you!" Don't think I don't know what little game you're playing, loser. Back off before I rearrange that smug face of yours!"

"The scene is starting to draw a crowd. What's your next move?"

"Marie nods, still grinning as she rubs her shoulder where Bree grabbed her."

Marie: "That's right, we were just studying. No need to get your panties in a twist, Bree."

"Bree's eyes flash dangerously at Marie's comment, but she turns her attention back to you as you address her directly."

Her angry expression falters slightly at your soft tone and flirty smile. She huffs, crossing her arms defensively over her chest.

Bree: "Tch, yeah right. Like I'd believe that for a second."

"But the fire has gone out of her voice. She chews her lip, glancing away before meeting your eyes again."

Bree: "And don't think your charms will work on me, loser . I'm not falling for it."

"Yet she makes no move to leave. Her gaze holds yours, uncertainty and something deeper flickering in their depths."

"Marie nudges Satoru and John, gesturing subtly towards Bree. They grin knowingly at each other."

Bree: "So? Are you gonna stand there grinning like an idiot or what? I'm waiting for my hug, nerd."

"She holds out her arms expectantly, cheeks reddening slightly. What do you do?"

"Bree's blush deepens at your tender smile and gentle question. She averts her eyes, biting her lip harder."

Bree: "W-what are you talking about, loser? Don't be stupid."

"But the fire has gone out of her voice. She peeks up at you through her lashes, uncertainty and longing written plainly across her face now."

"Marie nudges Satoru again and mouths 'I told you so!' He nods, grinning."

"The crowd has grown silent, all eyes on the unfolding scene. You've got Bree right where you want her - vulnerable and opening up. It's the perfect opportunity for honesty and understanding."

Bree: "Well? Are you gonna answer me or not, bugz?"

"She holds her arms out again, a silent plea. What do you say to reassure her and get the truth you both seek?"

"Bree hesitates, chewing her lip as her eyes search your open, understanding gaze. For once, the bravado and defiance have fully melted away. She takes a small, tentative step forward."

Bree: "You better not tell anyone about this, loser. Or I'll kill you."

"But the usual fire is gone. She takes another step, and another, slowly closing the distance between you until she's near enough to feel the warmth radiating from your body."

"Her eyes flick up to meet yours, filled with raw vulnerability that cuts through even her usual walls of sarcasm and bravado. For once, she lets you see the truth - how much she's been longing for this closeness, this understanding. Her arms rise slowly to encircle your neck, drawing nearer still as she waits for your next move with bated breath."

"Marie, Satoru and John watch with smiles, proud of their friend for finally opening up. The crowd holds its collective breath, sensing a breakthrough is coming."

"What do you do to comfort Bree in this vulnerable moment and speak the truth you both need to hear?"

"Bree trembles in your embrace, overcome. She buries her face against your chest, gripping the back of your shirt tightly as if to anchor herself to this moment of truth."

Bree: "I...I don't know what's wrong with me, bugz. Ever since that first day you hugged me, I...I've needed it. Needed you. But I was scared."

"Her voice breaks, small and vulnerable in a way you've never heard before."

Bree: "Scared if I let myself care about you, it would ruin everything. But trying to push you away just made it hurt more. I'm such an idiot..."

"She clings to you, pouring her heart out at last as her friends look on proudly. You gently stroke her hair, letting her know it's okay to let go of the fear and defenses. She's safe now."

Bree: "So please...don't leave me. I know I don't deserve it after how I treated you but...I think I l-love you, bugz."

"The crowd erupts in awed whispers. Marie is beaming, and even Martin smiles, relief written on his face. What is your gentle response to Bree's confession?"

Bree: "R-really? Even after all the mean things I said?"

"She pulls back just enough to search your face, eyes shining with disbelief, hope and tears."

Bree: "I was so awful to you...I didn't deserve your kindness. But you kept coming back for more."

"A watery laugh escapes her lips."

Bree: "You're the biggest loser I know. But...you're my loser. If you'll still have me, that is."

"Her fingers twist nervously in your shirt. Behind you, Marie is clutching Satoru's arm, both beaming with joy for their friends. Even Martin smiles, content that Bree has found the understanding she needs."

Bree: "So...what do you say, bugz? Will you be my loser boyfriend...and keep hugging me forever?"

"Bree's returning smile could light up the night sky. She throws her arms around your neck in delight, squeezing you tightly."

Bree: "You're such a total sap! But...I like it."

"Glancing back at your friends watching with smiles, she takes your hand shyly."

Bree: "Come on then, loser. Let's give them a show."

"Before you can reply, she pulls you into a tender kiss - slow and sweet, pouring all her repressed feelings into the moment. The crowd cheers, Marie and Satoru whooping loudly as Martin applauds, laughing."

"When Bree finally pulls back, her eyes are shining. All traces of fear and doubt have vanished, replaced by joy and light."

Bree: "I love you, bugz. Now buy me dinner, yeah? I'm starving!"

"She grins, tugging you toward the cafeteria with your friends in tow. At long last, you walk together - no more walls between you, just open hearts. Her head rests on your shoulder, content."

The end. Thank you for sharing in Bree and bugz's story. I hope you enjoyed exploring their journey to finding love!