requested by @blackroseboulevard

( sorry this literally took more than a month i feel so bad- )

to anyone reading this that might be in the dark, just know that

and if anyone ever needs to talk about anything at all, im always here for you. or you can go to a trusted person in your life.

stay safe

———

I walk down a street of the city, the sun getting ready to set.

My converse squeak against the pavement as I pull my jacket tighter around me.

No one looks at me as I walk, no one knows what's going on inside my head.

How my family treats me like shit.

How i'm invisible to everyone at school.

They don't realize how truly alone I feel. No one knows how I just go through the motions now, the schoolwork too much to put up with because it was just never ending. My parents are now on my ass about my grades because the one time in my life they gave a flying fuck about me is the time where I've stopped trying.

My mind wanders to other thoughts, my feet taking me to a destination unknown.

What's the point anymore? No one cares about me. Would it really be so bad if i left? No one would miss me.

I look up and I guess my feet really did know where they were going.

A bridge stands before me.

I walk over to the railing, the wind blowing my hair as I look over the small body of water. The sun is just above it, the sky streaking gorgeous pinks and oranges and yellows.

It's a breathtaking sight.

It would be a beautiful place to leave.

I don't know why I'm doing this. Maybe because I'm suffering and getting pulled under, unable to come up for breath on my own and too far down to scream for help.

Before I process what I'm doing, my body moves on its own, shaking hands grasping the railing at I swing my legs over.

I don't even realize the tears cascading down my face as I grip the metal, my toes standing on the edge. One wrong step and it's over.

But that's what I want, right?

As I contemplate what I'm about to do, I realize I have doubts, but I don't know why I do. My life is terrible, and I'm not sure how much more I can take.

I sniffle and my hands twitch against their grip, the sun's rays shining brightly on the horizon.

I smile through the tears, mustering up my courage, until I hear brakes squeal behind me.

( five minutes earlier )

I slam the door to my house in frustration and anger, the keys to my car gripped tightly in my palm.

I get into the vehicle and start the car, driving away as fast as I can to let out my emotions.

There's only one place I go when I need to clear my head, a mountain top that looks over the lake, which usually has a magnificent spot to watch the sunset.

As I drive through the city, I start to calm myself down, taking my time as I move with the other cars.

I take a turn off the main street and start driving towards my spot, the road going up

the side of the mountain, and I see the familiar bridge that I pass my every time.

Except there's something different about this time.

I spot a person standing near the railing, her hair blowing in the breeze.

But that's when I realize she's not just admiring the sunset.

She's standing on the other side of the railing.

Shit.

I drastically turn my wheel to make the sharp turn to the bridge, hoping, praying, that I can stop her before it's too late.

I press on the brake as I stop behind her, my hair flying into my face. I scramble out of the car and make my way over to her, "woah woah woah." I say worriedly, gaining her attention.

She looks over her shoulder and back to the water in front of her, her y/e/c eyes glassy and red from her tears. "what do you want?" She spits at me.

"I-I'm just here to help—"

She laughs bitterly, cutting me off. "You think you're some kind of hero? I don't want your help. I don't deserve it either."

I blink quickly before continuing. "Of course you deserve it. Now look, why don't you come back over here and we can talk, let's figure something out. together." I say gently, not wanting to spook her.

"What's there to talk about?" She sobs, "My life is mess, I—I have nothing, no one, I'm all alone, my parents hate me, everyone at school hates me, what is there left? I'd be doing everyone a favor!" She cries.

I'm taken aback at her sudden outburst but I quickly regain my composure. "I care about you. I would be so crushed if you left so please, don't do this." I beg her.

I'm not sure where these words are coming from, but I say them anyway. I don't even know this girl before me, but I can hear the pain in her voice, the way she holds herself. She needs someone right now, and it doesn't seem like she has anyone else. I need to help her. I have to.

"Why do you care? I don't even know you!" She sniffles.

I take a step close. "It doesn't matter. What does matter is that I do care about you."Another step. "And I'm here for you." Another, and now I'm right beside her. "I'm right here. Just take my hand." I say, reaching out my hand next to hers.

She finally urns her whole head to face me, and my heart breaks for this girl.

This girl who I haven't met before, yet I'm drawn to. And I can't let her do this to

herself. Not when it's possible for me to save her.

She lets out another sob and looks back out. "I'm scared." She whispers. "It's too much I-I can't take much more."

I shake my head slowly, "I know, it is scary. But I'll be there for you. I can help. If you'll let me."

She looks at my outreached hand and back up to my eyes. "I... They always say that. And then they leave me. I cant be alone again."

"And you won't." I reassure her. "You won't be alone again."

She lets out a sharp exhale. "I don't even know your name. How can I trust you?"

"I'm Louis." I whisper. "And I promise, I've got you."

She looks to me again before her hand moves against the railing. She quickly puts her hand in mine and I pull her over the ledge where she falls against the cement, her whole body shaking with tears.

I immediately pull her to my chest as she tentatively leans into my touch. It seems like she hasn't been comforted in quite some time.

All of her emotions spill from their captive place in her mind, her tears soaking my shirts as I hold her protectively.

I whisper sweet nothings to her and just hold her.

I don't know how long it is when when she pulls away, moving the hair from her face. "Thank you." She murmurs.

"I did what anyone else would have." I say, offering her a soft smile.

"You've done more than anyone has in the past year." She says quietly. She opens her mouth to talk again, but closes it and shakes her head. "I'm sorry, i'm probably being such a bother right now."

"Hey." I say sternly, making her look at me. "You'll never be a bother. I'll be here every step of the way to whatever the future lead you."

"But why? Why did you stop?" She asks curiously.

"Why wouldn't I? And I'm glad I did, because I met you." I say cheekliy.

"Aaaand he's a flirt." She jokes.

"There's that smile" I say, making her cheeks flush adorably. "Oh, I don't think I ever got your name..."

"Y/n."