Ren

At school, I had a sworn enemy, Ren. We didn't get along so well that every interaction sparked with hostility. Caustic taunts, caustic phrases, squabbles - that's what we had between us.

Ren, no matter how hard he tried, did not shine in his studies, but was universally loved, especially by girls. It seemed that his very existence denied the concept of "problem", although most often he walked with a mask of indifference and seriousness. After the last lesson, the teacher asked me to stay late to help in the library. For the promise of improving my grades, I readily agreed. Tired after helping, I was walking home (I didn't have parents). Suddenly, passing by one of the houses, I heard a familiar cry. It was Ren, calling out to someone. He was in pain, asking for it to stop. After a moment's hesitation, I saw Ren and his younger brother literally thrown out of the house, with the words "You don't have to come back!" Ren was covered in blood and bruises, his younger brother, Chris, had only minor injuries. I watched them from afar. Chris was choking with tears, and Ren, feigning calm and trying to hide the approaching pain, said to his brother: "Sunny, calm down. I'll think of something, and everything will be fine." And he hugged him tenderly.

For the first time I saw Ren like this - affectionate and gentle.

He hugged Chris, and tears were streaming down Ren's cheeks, which he immediately wiped away. @Kseniauio0987

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