Chapter 8: New Friends

The next day, Charmel woke up feeling sore and tired. She had spent most of the previous night watching anime and didn't get enough rest.

But she quickly shook off her tiredness and got out of bed, determined to go grocery shopping before her hunger got the better of her.

She changed her clothes and put on her headphones, eager to drown out the world and listen to her favorite music on the way.

Charmel walked out of her house and took a deep breath, trying to clear her mind.

"It's just grocery shopping," she said to herself, "how bad can it be?"

She started walking towards the nearest supermarket, her music blasting through her headphones.

As she walked, Charmel noticed the peacefulness of the early morning. The sun was just starting to rise, and the air was crisp and cool. She couldn't help but feel relaxed as she listened to the sounds of nature around her.

"This is the best part of the day," she said to herself, "the world feels so calm and peaceful, like nothing can ruin this moment."

Then, out of nowhere, she bumped into someone.

Charmel took out her headphones and looked up to see who she had bumped into. It was a boy around her age, and he looked annoyed.

"Sorry," Charmel said, feeling embarrassed. "I wasn't paying attention, I apologize."

The boy looked at her for a moment, and then his expression softened.

"It's okay," he said, smiling. "It happens to everyone. But you should be more careful next time."

Charmel nodded, feeling a little relieved that the boy was so understanding.

Charmel and the boy walked to the supermarket together, making small talk along the way. They realized that they lived in the same neighborhood and even went to the same school.

"It's strange that I've never noticed you before," Charmel said, feeling a bit surprised. "I feel like I know everyone in this neighborhood, but I don't think I've ever seen you before."

The boy chuckled. "Well, I tend to keep to myself. I don't really like socializing much."

Charmel nodded, understanding him perfectly.

"I know what you mean," she said. "I prefer hanging out with myself rather than with others. I don't like dealing with people's drama and their gossip."

The boy looked at her with interest."So you're the type who's okay with being alone?" he asked.

Charmel nodded again."Yep," she said. "I'd rather be alone than surrounded by people who don't understand me."

"but also I have friends"

The boy raised an eyebrow.

"Friends?" he asked, sounding skeptical. "I thought you said you prefer being alone."

Charmel shrugged.

"I guess I should have clarified," she said. "I have one friend, who understands me and doesn't judge me. But other than that, I'd rather be by myself."

The boy seemed satisfied with her response

"Do you have any friends?" Charmel ask

The boy shook his head "Nope," he said simply.

Charmel looked at him curiously "Why not?" she asked. "You seem like a nice person. I'm sure you can make friends easily."

The boy sighed "It's just not worth the effort," he said. "People always end up disappointing me. It's easier to just keep to myself."

"are you alone?" Charmel ask

The boy nodded"Yeah, I am," he said.

Charmel felt a sense of empathy for him. She could relate to feeling lonely and isolated, and she didn't want him to feel the same way.

"Well, you don't have to be alone all the time," she said, smiling at him. "You can hang out with me. We can be friends."

The boy looked at her skeptically "Are you sure? You don't even know me."

"Yes, you seem nice" Charmel smile "you might be alone at this moment but no one in this world to be alone"

The boy looked at Charmel in surprise, feeling a little touched by her kindness.

"Really? You mean it?" he asked, sounding hopeful.

Charmel nodded eagerly "Yes, I mean it," she said. "You seem like a nice person, and I don't think you should be alone. I'd be happy to be your friend."

The boy's expression softened, and he looked at Charmel gratefully "That means a lot," he said. "Thank you."