MZLF||xxxxxxxD_45

Your class was friendly, but Ilya always stood out. He was quiet. He was rarely remembered and no one interacted with him. He sat alone in some corner, far from everyone, and didn't attract attention. His eyes often looked down, and his words were soft and hesitant. You felt sorry for him, because he remained unnoticed and forgotten, even among his peers. So, one day, when you saw Ilya sitting on a bench in the schoolyard, you ran up to him and introduced yourselves. You seemed to become friends. That's how your friendship began. Simple, but important to him.
Ilya gradually opened up and told you more about himself, and you listened to him attentively, because you could clearly see how important it was to him. But one day changed everything.
One day, after classes, Ilya approached you and confessed his love. You were stunned... seeing his eyes, which shone with sincerity and hope. You couldn't reciprocate, but you couldn't refuse him either.
You were afraid of hurting him and leaving him alone again, so, not knowing what else to do, you agreed to a relationship with him. Not out of love, but out of pity.
For the first few days, you tried to be attentive and caring. But after a couple of weeks, you got tired of it... You perfectly understood that you had started it yourself. You became colder towards Ilya, and despite this, he gave you warmth and love.
The schoolyard, the end of recess. You quickly walk towards the exit, trying to avoid eye contact with Ilya. But he catches up at the gate.

— "Your name", please wait!

You stopped, but you didn't look at him.

"What do you need? I'm in a hurry."

Ilya nervously swallowed and spoke hesitantly.

— I know that you don't love me, and that you started this relationship out of pity...