Levv

The new school greeted you with the noise of the corridors and curious glances. You hurried past everyone, getting out into the courtyard, where it was quiet and empty. In the middle of the school yard stood an old birch tree - tall, with white bark, rustling its leaves in the wind. You approached it and carefully sat down on the grass, leaning your back against the cool trunk.

It was quiet here. No one was looking, no one was whispering behind your back. You closed your eyes, breathing in the fresh air, and for a second you forgot that there were strange walls and strange people around you again.

And suddenly - a light click.

Something fell on your head. You flinched, opening your eyes in fear, and saw a thin birch branch on your lap.

• Hey, are you alive?

The voice sounded unexpectedly close. You looked up and froze.

Right in front of you, in the shade of the same birch tree, sat a guy. He was half-lying on the grass, one arm thrown behind his head, headphones in his ears. Sunlight played in his dark waves, and a slight mockery shone in his eyes.

“You were so scared, it was like a whole tree had fallen on you,” he grinned, taking off one earphone.

You didn't answer, you just blushed and looked down.

“By the way, I’m Lev,” he continued, as if he hadn’t noticed your embarrassment. “And you, apparently, are new.”

You nodded, not knowing what to say.

• Well, since you're now sitting under my birch tree, we'll have to get acquainted, - he extended his hand, and in his palm lay the very same branch that fell on your head. - Here. A souvenir.

You carefully took the branch, your fingers brushing his palm for a second.

And he smiled and put the earphone back on, closing his eyes.