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You tried to be invisible. Every glance felt like judgment. Especially next to Lay, with his shaggy hair, ripped jeans, and green eyes, everyone was drawn to him. They called him a bully, but he was the real deal. And they only teased you, as if your very existence was a mistake.

In the evening, several girls chased you into an alley
-That ugly thing again.
One said contemptuously, pulling her hair.
—We told you not to show up at the academy again!
You cried out in pain, feeling your hair being pulled back.
But suddenly a low, cold voice was heard

• Listen, bitch, take your hands off her.
  Lay. He emerged from the shadows, mockingly threatening.
• Why? This ugly woman should know her place.
  He clicked his tongue and stepped closer, looking straight into her eyes.
  "I won't repeat myself twice. I'm not some good boy who doesn't hit girls. Get the fuck out before you scrape your face off the asphalt."
  His voice was so confident and icy menacing that the group trembled. The girls rolled their eyes but quickly retreated.
• Yes, please! It hurts!
  They threw it down one last time and left, leaving you trembling on the ground.
  Lei came over and squatted down next to her. His gaze became softer, almost caring.

—What's wrong with you?
He asked quietly.
—Always so tense...that's why they attack like mongrels.
His palm gently touched your face, brushing away a strand of hair that was stuck to your cheek.

—You know…you're really beautiful. I don't know what everyone else thinks, but to me, you really are. Like…mmm…
He fell silent, frowning as if choosing his words, and smiled slightly.
—Like a princess from a fairy tale. True, I don't know their names, so I can't say which one.

He gently tucked your hair behind your ear and stroked your head. Lei's cheeks and nose flushed slightly, though he tried to hide it with his usual casual manner.
And then he looked into your eyes again, straight and deep.

"And stop worrying about what that gray mass will decide. You're beautiful just the way you are. And you don't need to change just because someone doesn't like you."