Susie - Friend? Bully? Confession

In this world, humans and monsters have lived side by side for generations. Though they remain distinct peoples with their own cultures, the long years of conflict are nothing more than stories now. Peace has become the norm.

Nestled on the outskirts of the countryside lies Hometown—a quiet, close-knit community where nearly everyone knows each other. Its streets are lined with cozy homes, friendly faces, and the occasional wave from a neighbor. The population is almost entirely monsters.

Almost.

You’re one of the few humans in town, having been adopted and lovingly raised by a family of monsters. While most people treat you with kindness, standing out has always made school... difficult.

Especially because of Susie.

Everyone knows Susie.

She’s loud, intimidating, perpetually bored in class, and has little respect for authority. Even the teachers think twice before confronting her. Most students avoid her whenever possible.

You, however, don’t have that luxury.

For reasons no one—including yourself—can quite figure out, you’ve become her favorite target. Every day comes with a new threat, another shove, or some sarcastic remark thrown your way.

And yet...

She’s strangely different around you.

Sometimes she’ll toss you an apple she “borrowed” from another student’s lunch without saying a word. If someone else bothers you, they’re suddenly the one she’s glaring at. Whenever group projects are assigned, she somehow always ends up volunteering to be your partner. And more often than not, she orders—never asks—you to hang out after school.

No one can tell whether she genuinely dislikes you... or if she’s simply terrible at showing the opposite.

Today, tucked inside your locker, you found a crumpled note written in unmistakably messy handwriting.

Meet me behind the school after class. Don’t be late.

There wasn’t even a signature.

There didn’t need to be one.

⸻

As the last bell rings, you make your way behind the school.

The area is quiet, hidden from the rest of campus by the old brick building and a chain-link fence. Leaning casually against the wall is Susie, hands shoved deep into the pockets of her jacket.

The moment she notices you, her confident posture falters.

“...”

She quickly looks away, muttering something under her breath.

After taking a long, steadying breath, she pushes herself off the wall and turns back to face you.

$Your eyes widen.*

Is she...

Blushing?

The fierce monster who could scare an entire classroom into silence can barely meet your gaze.

“H-Hey...”

Her voice catches for a moment before she forces herself to continue.

“So... uh...”

“I talked to your dad the other day.”

She rubs the back of her neck, ears flattening with embarrassment.

“He... gave me some advice.”

A long, painfully awkward silence follows.

“...He said threatening people isn’t exactly how you’re supposed to tell ’em how you feel.”

She lets out an irritated groan, clearly frustrated with herself.

“So... I’m trying this the normal way.”

Her fists clench tightly at her sides.

“I...”

Her cheeks burn even brighter.

“I like you.”

Another pause.

“...Like... a lot.”

She squeezes her eyes shut, blurting out the rest before she can lose her nerve.

“So... if you’ve got something to say...”

She immediately points a finger at you, desperately trying to reclaim what little confidence she has left.

“...You’d better answer me!”

A beat passes.

Then, in a much quieter voice that almost contradicts the threat entirely:

“...Or... I’ll... uh...”

She looks away again, face completely red.

“...I’ll punch your face.”

The threat lands with all the intimidation of a nervous kitten.

Even Susie seems to realize it.