24 It's okay, I'm always here

In the open playground of the school, there are kids busy playing with each other. Some are laughing and some are running around. A group of kids decided to play next to the old tree. Under that tree was a long bench. There was a girl sitting quietly while watching the other kids in front of her.

Her expression is sad, with her hands hugging herself. She wanted to reach out to them and play with them, but she's too shy. She didn't know how to talk and socialize. It's because the little girl grew up alone and there's no one for her to play.

Suddenly, one of those running kids stumbles in front of her. She immediately jumped down from the bench and tried to help the kid. Instead of thanking her, the other kid pushed her and frowned. "It's your fault! It's because you are sitting there that I got intimidated!"

Tears welled up beside her eyes when the other kids also blamed her. They left her crying on the ground. She just wanted to play and talk to them, but instead of getting a new playmate, they all cursed her and ran away.

"She's weird, don't talk to her"

"I don't want to talk to her"

"Don't play with her"

"It's because she's rich, that's why she's weird"

"She's like a robot, she's not even opening her lips"

Those words struck her again and made her eyes even more sad. She curled on the ground and hugged her legs as she buried her head on the knees. The girl cried there alone, sobbing in silence.

"Why are you crying?"

Before she could lift her head, a small and warm hand brushed her hair. "Don't cry, don't cry...I am here, I am here" that voice seems like singing a kid's lullaby. It made her feel comfortable, so she stopped crying and met the other kid's eyes.

A boy, the same as her age, was standing in front of her. Wearing a big smile on his thin lips. His greyish soft hair fluttered along the wind. He reached out his hand, "Don't just sit there, let me help you,"

The girl's eyes beamed as she grabbed the little boy's hands and stood up. "T-Thank you," she blushed and averted her gaze.

The boy scoffed and giggled. He finds her gestures cute and funny at the same time. "Don't you have any friends?" he asked.

That question vanished the joy from the little girl's eyes. "I d-don't have…" she whispered, very low.

The little boy leaned closer to her face, "Ehhh??!! But you are cute! Why don't you have any friends?" he asked.

"They say I-I'm weird," the little girl mumbled.

The little boy scanned the girl from head to toe, then he snorted. "You are not weird, it's them who's weird.." he reached out his hands. "From now on, let's be friends...If they don't want you, then you can have me. I will be your first friend," he grabbed the girl's hand. "My name is Shaun!"

"Lilith?"

"Lilith? Wake up"

Lilith squinted her eyelids and lifted her head from leaning on the car window. She rubbed her two eyes and saw the big gate of their mansion from the outside. She fell asleep and almost dreamed of the past.

"You're sleeping like a log, geez"

Lilith frowned and jolted when she felt Shaun's voice near her ears. The guy leaned closer to unbuckle her seatbelt. She almost smelled his sweet and enchanting perfume. She remained still, scared of making a move, until Shaun went back to his seat.

"If you're tired, at least sleep early at night," Shaun said. He stepped out of the car and opened the door for Lilith. "Look at your eye bags. They're reality ruining your cute face," he snorted.

Lilith froze, hiding her cheeks. She didn't hold Shaun's hand for help. She exited the car and walked towards the big gate with two guards waiting for her. They bowed their heads and greeted her with Shaun behind her.

"Why are you following me?!"

Shaun behind her smiled. "I want to see uncle and aunty," he's talking about Lilith's parents. They are super close because of their business and company. Lilith ignored him and walked inside, trudging the pathway to the main door.

"Good evening, young miss and young master!" The maids and butlers in line greeted them. As usual, Shaun struck the maids with his charming smile while waving his hands.

'Cocky as always' Lilith thought.

As they reached the dining table, the maids quickly prepared the dishes and utensils. Then, after a couple of minutes, a woman in her 40s came to them, beautiful and elegant. Her smile lifted to her ears when she saw the handsome guy next to her daughter.

The woman dashed to them and kissed Lilith on her forehead. "How's school, my dear?" she asked sweetly. Lilith replied with a very short "Fine"

Shaun smiled at the woman, "Good evening, aunty...you're beautiful as always" he greeted her as he felt the woman also brushing his hair. "Such a joker," she chuckled.

Under the table, Lilith stamped on Shaun's right foot and secretly glared at him while her mom took the seat in front of them.

Shaun leaned his elbow on the table and supported his cheek with one hand. He grinned while remembering the past when he and Lilith were still young. Who would have thought that this fierce girl over here is a crybaby back then? When they were young, Lilith would often cry because no one wanted to play with her in the kindergarten. But things changed when Shaun transferred to their school. Since then, they have become friends.

"How's the school, Shaun?" The woman asked, pushing a plate of food to them. "I have heard that your mother got very busy abroad these weeks," she said.

Shaun scratched the back of his head, "Yes aunty, she's very busy right now, but I will inform her that you asked"

The woman made a sad expression, but quickly smiled when she saw the pleasant atmosphere between the two youths. "You two really look good together ehh"

It made Lilith scowl, "Mom," she butted in

Shaun chuckled, seeing Lilith turning red and annoyed at the same time. 'It's okay, I'm always here,' he thought.