episode two suddenly

That was my experience for the past few weeks, being a loner. I never thought someone in my class would approach me. I spent my days sitting quietly in the corner of the classroom, watching the other students laugh and chat in their tight-knit groups. The sound of their laughter often made me feel even more isolated, like I was an invisible spectator in my own life. It felt as though a glass wall separated me from everyone else, and I couldn't find a way to break through it. My classmates were friendly enough, but they already had their established circles and didn't seem to notice the new girl sitting by herself.

Every morning, I walked into school with a knot of anxiety in my stomach, hoping that today would be different but knowing deep down that it wouldn’t be. The teachers were kind, the classes were interesting, but the loneliness was always there, lurking in the background. Lunchtimes were the hardest. I would sit by myself, picking at my food and pretending to read a book, trying to look busy so no one would notice that I was alone.

Then, out of nowhere, someone did approach me. That someone was Ethan, the boy who seemed to have it all. Ethan was well-known around school; his reputation preceded him. He was the kind of guy everyone admired—smart, kind, athletic, and always surrounded by friends. I had seen him many times, usually at the center of attention, whether he was acing a test, scoring the winning goal in a soccer match, or simply making everyone around him laugh. He had this magnetic energy about him that drew people in, and I never imagined someone like him would even know I existed.

One day, I was sitting at my usual spot in the back of the classroom, absorbed in a book, when I heard a voice beside me. "Hi, are you the new girl in class?" Ethan asked, his voice full of genuine curiosity and eagerness.

His question caught me off guard. I looked up from my book, my heart racing. Why would Ethan, of all people, want to talk to me? I must have looked like a deer caught in headlights. "Uhmm, yeah, I'm the new girl," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. I could feel my cheeks burning with shyness, a wave of self-consciousness washing over me. I wasn’t used to this kind of attention, especially from someone like Ethan.

Ethan smiled warmly, a smile that seemed to light up his whole face. "I thought so. I’ve seen you around but never got the chance to say hello. How are you finding our school so far?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Part of me wanted to open up, to share how lonely I had been feeling, but I didn’t want to come across as needy or pathetic. "It's... okay, I guess. Still getting used to everything," I said, glancing down at my feet. The words felt inadequate to express the turmoil inside me, but they were all I could manage.

"Well, if you need any help with anything, just let me know," Ethan said with a sincerity that made me feel a little more at ease. "I'd be happy to show you around or introduce you to some people."

I managed a small smile, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in weeks. "Thanks, Ethan. That's really nice of you."

He grinned again, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of warmth and belonging. Maybe, just maybe, things were about to change. Maybe I wouldn’t have to be the lonely new girl anymore. As Ethan walked away, I felt a strange mixture of excitement and apprehension. Could this be the beginning of a new chapter in my life?

The next day, Ethan kept his promise. During lunch, he waved me over to his table. I hesitated for a moment, my heart pounding, before walking over. His friends, who I had seen from afar but never interacted with, greeted me warmly. They were curious about my background, asking where I was from and what I liked to do. The conversation flowed easily, and for the first time, I felt like I was part of something.

Over the next few days, Ethan continued to include me in his group. He introduced me to more people, and soon I found myself chatting with classmates I had previously only watched from a distance. Each day, I felt a little more confident, a little more comfortable in my new environment. The loneliness that had been my constant companion began to fade, replaced by a sense of connection and belonging.

Ethan’s kindness didn’t stop there. He helped me with my schoolwork, explaining things I didn’t understand and encouraging me to join clubs and activities. He seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me, and his support gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone. I joined the school’s book club, participated in group projects, and even signed up for the soccer team, something I had never imagined I would do.

Looking back, I realized that Ethan's simple act of reaching out had changed everything. It wasn’t just that he had made me feel welcome; he had given me the confidence to be myself and to believe that I could find my place in this new school. The days of sitting alone in the corner of the classroom were behind me, replaced by a future full of possibilities and new friendships. And for that, I would always be grateful to Ethan, the boy who had everything but chose to share it with me.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***