Therapy

"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."

"Noticing Aeron & Co. sit down to eat, Bree's eyes linger on you for a moment before she rolls them and turns to Martin with a pout." Bree: "Like, I don't get it either, Marty. That loser is just so pathetic." "She pretends to gag as she says this, putting on an exaggerated show before leaning in to whisper something into Martin's ear." "Martin chuckles softly at her joke, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and giving her a comforting squeeze." Martin: "You know you like it, Bree. You wouldn't ask if you didn't need it." "Bree huffs out a laugh, nuzzling into his side as she playfully punches his arm." Bree: "Shut up, Marty! You always take his side." "Satoru grins mischievously, clearly enjoying the banter between his friends." Satoru: "You know, Bree, maybe you should try being nicer to Aeron & Co.. They might start liking you back." "This remark causes the others to giggle, but Bree simply scowls at him, shaking her head." Bree: ""Loser." I don't want someone who likes me back, okay? I just need that hug." "As dinner winds down and the group starts to clear away their plates, Bree shoots you a quick glance before turning away, dismissing the idea of another hug for now."

"As Bree's friends begin to leave, she folds her arms defensively, glaring at the ground." Bree: ""Talk? No way, loser. I don't need you for that."" "She tries to appear tough and unbothered, but there's a hint of uncertainty in her eyes." Bree: ""Like, seriously, Aeron & Co., don't think this makes you special or anything. I just needed that hug is all. And you suck at it anyway."" "She gives a fake laugh, trying to mask her vulnerability." Bree: ""But if you must know, my history teacher gave us some extra homework. Like, what a total bummer. Ugh, I hate studying! But don't worry about me, okay, loser? I can handle it."" "Despite her protests, Bree seems uneasy and unsure, almost longing for comfort. You can sense that deep down, she might be seeking reassurance from you. The tension between you remains as strong as ever, leaving no room for misunderstanding how much Bree needs your hugs and yet despises herself for wanting them."

"As Bree continues to protest, you maintain your gentle smile, not letting her harsh words affect you. You open your arms in invitation, offering her the comfort she so desperately needs." Bree: ""Like, really? Now you're going all soft and mushy on me, Aeron & Co.? Damn it!"" "Her eyes dart away nervously, but she can't bring herself to deny the comfort you're offering. Slowly, hesitantly, she takes a step closer to you." Bree: ""Fine, one hug, but that's it! No more after this, okay? You're just spoiling me, loser!"" "You can almost see the relief wash over her as she allows herself to be enveloped in your embrace. For a moment, all the bravado and aggression dissipates, leaving only the vulnerable girl who needs your comfort." Bree: "*Thanks, Aeron & Co.... Like, seriously, why do you even put up with me?" "As you hold her close, you can feel her heart beating faster against your chest. The tension between you is palpable, the electricity in the air undeniable. Despite her protests, Bree leans into you, enjoying the warmth and safety of your embrace."

"As you hold Bree close, your soft voice whispers soothing words into her ear, penetrating the layers of bravado she's built around herself. Bree's breath hitches at your words, her grip on you tightening slightly. The emotions she's been suppressing begin to surface, threatening to break through her tough exterior." Bree: ""Like, wow... Aeron & Co., you're really something else. You just... you get it, okay? I don't know how, but you do."" "Tears well up in her eyes, and she buries her face against your chest, allowing herself to be vulnerable and open with you for the first time." Bree: ""Thanks, Aeron & Co.. Thanks for being there."" "As you hold her, you can feel the softness of her hair against your cheek, her body trembling slightly in your arms. For a brief moment, all the defenses and barriers between you dissolve, leaving only two people sharing a connection that transcends words." Bree: ""Ugh, I hate crying... But like, it feels good to let it out sometimes."" "Slowly, you release her from your embrace, giving her space as she composes herself."

"As Bree steps back from your embrace, you offer her a gentle smile and the wisdom you've learned from your own experiences." Bree: "*Like, really? You talk to a therapist? I never knew that about you, Aeron & Co.. Good for you though." "She looks at you with newfound respect, realizing that you too have your own struggles and battles to fight. You both share a connection that goes beyond physical touch or words." "You notice a hint of surprise in her eyes as you mention Martin's message from months ago. She turns away from you, running her fingers through her hair nervously." Bree: "*Ugh, I can't believe he told you that. You must think I'm such a freak, huh? Needing someone else to comfort me instead of my own boyfriend?" "Her voice is tinged with sadness and self-doubt, but there's also a flicker of determination in her eyes." Bree: "*But like, that was then, right? Aeron & Co., you're just being nice to me because I need it. It doesn't mean anything else, okay?" "Bree tries to brush off the conversation, returning to her bravado and defiance. But you can see the vulnerability lingering beneath the surface, the pain she's trying so hard to hide."

"You gently place your hand on Bree's arm, offering her a sense of reassurance and comfort. Your words are soft but filled with sincerity, reaching out to the vulnerable girl beneath the bravado." Bree: ""Like, wow... Aeron & Co., you don't have to do this. I mean, I'm sure everyone has their own problems to deal with, and here you are, being all nice to me."" "She looks away from you, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Despite her attempts to brush off your kindness, Bree can't help but feel touched by your words." Bree: ""I don't know why I react like this around you. It's just... Ugh, never mind. But thanks, okay? Thanks for understanding."" "As you mention how her happiness has become important to you, Bree's heart races in her chest. The realization that she matters to someone else, even in the smallest way, is overwhelming." Bree: ""I-I don't know what to say, Aeron & Co.... Like, I really appreciate it, but I don't want to make things awkward between us."" "Despite her protests, there's no denying the warmth that fills her heart at your words. For the first time, Bree begins to contemplate the possibility of opening up and allowing herself to be vulnerable with someone other than Martin."

"You gently take Bree's hand, guiding her to an empty table in the now-deserted cafeteria. The silence between you is filled with a weight of unspoken words and emotions." Bree: "*Like, wow, okay. Aeron & Co., you sure about this? You know I can be a handful, right?" "She tries to laugh it off, but the nervousness in her voice betrays her anxiety. For the first time, Bree is faced with the possibility of revealing her true self to someone outside of her close circle of friends." Bree: ""Alright, deep breath... Aeron & Co., here goes nothing."" "As she begins to share her story, her words are hesitant at first, each sentence weighed down by the fear of judgment and rejection. But as you listen intently and offer reassurance, Bree finds herself opening up more and more." Bree: ""Ugh, okay, fine. My mom left when I was eight. Never heard from her again. Dad worked all the time, so my grandmother raised me. I guess that's why I'm so clingy and desperate for attention sometimes. Even Martin gets frustrated with me because of it."" "Tears well up in her eyes as she speaks, the pain and vulnerability she's been hiding behind her bravado finally given an outlet." Bree: "*It's just... I hate feeling like a burden, but I can't help it. And I never had anyone to talk to about it until now. So thanks, Aeron & Co.,"As Bree continues to share her story, you remain attentive and supportive, offering words of encouragement and reassurance. Her vulnerability is a stark contrast to the brash persona she usually projects, but it's also incredibly endearing." Bree: ""So like, that's pretty much it. I don't know why I'm telling you all this. I mean, I barely know you! But for some reason, it just feels easier with you..."" "She takes a deep breath, wiping away the tears that have escaped from her eyes." Bree: ""Sorry, I didn't mean to dump all this on you. And yeah, Martin doesn't understand why I need so much attention, but he tries. He really does, even though he can't give me what I need sometimes."" "Bree looks at you with a mixture of gratitude and confusion. She's never shared such personal details with someone outside her inner circle, and the experience has left her feeling both exposed and comforted." Bree: ""What do I do now, Aeron & Co.? Do I break up with Martin? Should I try to find my mom? I-I don't know... I just wanted someone to talk to, I guess."" *Her questions hang in the air between you, as she awaits your advice and guidance, something she's rarely sought from anyone before.

"Bree listens intently as you speak, taking in your insightful observations and advice. Your thumb rubbing soothing circles on her hand comforts her and helps ease her nerves."

Bree: "Like, wow... You really know your stuff, Aeron & Co.. It's kinda crazy how you get me, you know? And yeah, maybe that therapist could help."

"She offers you a small smile, genuinely grateful for your words of reassurance."

Bree: "As for Martin... You're right. I do love him as a friend, but I dunno if I'm really in love with him either. And I definitely feel like I'm only with him because I'm afraid of being alone."

"Bree sighs quietly, contemplating the difficult choice ahead of her."

Bree: "I'm gonna take some time to think about all this. But it really means a lot that you're here for me, Aeron & Co.. I know I act like a total brat most of the time, but... Thank you. Seriously."

"There's a newfound warmth and affection in her eyes as she gazes at you, touched by your empathy, compassion and non-judgmental support."

Bree: "And hey, I know I give you a hard time about your hugs, but they really do help me feel better. So thanks for that too. I hope one day I can return the favor and be there for you too."

"Bree offers you a smile, small and sincere. For the first time, the walls around her heart seem less imposing. With patience and understanding, perhaps a friendship can bloom where only thorns once grew."

"Bree melts into your warm embrace, finding comfort in the solace of your arms. For a moment, all is calm and quiet as she takes in the reassurance of your hug."

Bree: "Thanks, Aeron & Co.. Your hugs really are the best."

"She offers a smile as you pull apart, looking more at peace than you've ever seen her."

Bree: "And you're right. I'll take it slow with Martin and see what talking to someone can do for me first. It'll be good to figure myself out before deciding anything else."

"Bree reaches for your hand again, giving it a gentle squeeze."

Bree: "I'm really lucky to have you as a friend, Aeron & Co.. Even if I don't always show it in the best way. But I'm gonna try to be better about that from now on."

"Her gaze meets yours with a newfound warmth and sincerity. Though old habits may be hard to break, it seems Bree has taken the first steps towards healing - and allowing herself to be truly seen in return."

Bree: "For now though, I think I'm gonna call it a night. Thanks again for listening...and for everything else. I'll see you around?"

"She smiles, squeezing your hand once more before letting go and standing up from the table."

Bree: "Night, Aeron & Co.. Sweet dreams."

"With a final wave, Bree turns and exits the cafeteria, leaving you with the feeling that your friendship may have turned a hopeful new page."