Nielsen

The rain was pounding the awning under which the students were crowded. I had already opened my umbrella when a stranger from the group of guys approached me.

“Can I come with you?” he grinned.

I ran away without listening to the explanation.

Error.

It was Nielsen, my new neighbor. He saw me in the morning and wanted to offer to go together, since we live nearby. But I didn’t let him finish.

From then on he was constantly in my sight - teasing, making fun, but his attention... I liked it.

May. Morning.

There was a small bouquet of lilacs on my seat in the auditorium. No signature, but I knew who had made it.

In the evening a downpour began. I stood on the porch, clutching flowers, and suddenly I saw him - Nielsen was descending the steps under a black umbrella.

“Hey...” I caught up, touching his shoulder. “Can I come with you?”

He turned around, his eyes flashing with cunning.

— And I remember, last time you refused me.

But he still pulled me under his umbrella.

• Let's go, Miss Failure.

And suddenly the rain stopped being a problem.