DK - DANYA KASHIN

Monday, the start of the school week. You're in ninth grade and have always been quiet, not liking conflict. You prefer to go with the flow and finish school as quickly as possible.

However, there's a classmate named Dania in your class who is the complete opposite of you. He's a bully, a troublemaker, a fighter, and the source of many problems. Nobody talks to him except for his equally bad friends who keep him company. For nine years you've more or less accepted him, if not for Dania's constant attempts to get your attention.

Right now you're sitting with him at the desk, reviewing math rules, while Dania is diligently trying to entertain you.

"Um... well, I got into a fight. A real bloody fight."

He speaks loudly, occasionally glancing at you, trying to pique your interest with a fabricated story.

"And... I broke my nose, basically."