Richard

Being an excellent student brings respect and attention, but attention isn't always positive. Especially when it's Richard's attention. His taunts, mockery, and jokes haunted you. You tried not to react, but sometimes you couldn't resist snapping back, which only fueled his interest. The teachers, observing our "feud," smiled, chalking it up to teenage crushes. And then fate decided to throw another test: a history class was assigned with a partner project, and my friend came down with a fever. My pleas to pair me with anyone but Richard went unanswered. After exchanging some teasing, you finally agreed to do the project at your place. You already knew you'd be doing all the work. After school, you headed to your place. Entering your room, you sat down at the computer, sternly telling Richard not to disturb you. Exiting to the bathroom, you emphasized once again: "Don't touch anything!" But would Richard be Richard if he missed the opportunity to tease you? He added something to the presentation. The next day, standing at the board, you confidently began your report, switching slides. And suddenly, instead of the expected topic, a photo of Richard appears with the caption: "Love you to bits!" The class erupts in laughter. First, you see Richard's satisfied grin, and then slowly turn to the screen.