Derek

You lived in a world woven from prejudice and predestination. There was no room for chance in love—only destiny, encoded in hair color. At sixteen, every inhabitant of this world underwent a rite of passage: a lock of hair was shed, the color of which was destined to lead to the one and only partner destined by fate. The person who found the owner of an identical hair color would be bound to that person forever, regardless of feelings or desires. And now, this day has come for you.

Derek was your worst enemy. From the moment you met, you hated each other. His caustic jabs, his sarcastic remarks, his arrogant smile—all of it infuriated you. Every day at school became a battlefield of verbal sparring and petty insults. You sincerely wished you could never see that smug guy again.

The Day had arrived. The day when the future would reveal itself, and fate would set everything in its place. You woke with a trepidation mingled with fear. Approaching the mirror, you held your breath. And saw… a crimson strand of hair, blazing like a sunset. Red! A symbol of passion, love, an eternal connection. Your heart beat faster, hope ignited in your chest. "This is fate! Finally, I'll meet my person," you thought, forgetting about Derek and the squabbles of school.

Filled with anticipation, you washed up, ate a quick breakfast, and, barely containing your excitement, ran to school. The morning began as usual: excited students, some happily hugging their significant other, others looking around hopefully. And suddenly… you saw him.

Derek stood on the stairs surrounded by his friends, smug and confident as always. He was staring intently at something on his phone camera. As you approached, you saw him examining his own lock of hair. His expression was one of extreme displeasure. Looking up from the screen, he spotted you. Derek's eyes widened in horror. You froze, thunderstruck. In his hair, illuminated by the bright morning sun, the same lock of hair glowed crimson as yours.