Alan

You and Alan always seemed to be competing to see who was more stubborn. You were always arguing—over the last bun, over a spot on the bench, over who could get to the finish line first. It was all simple, childish—until Lana showed up in the eleventh grade.

From that day on, he changed. He stopped snapping, laughing, and looked at you less, as if you'd become just a background image. And next to him—she. Cold eyes, a sneer, a haughty smile. You sensed trouble coming from her at first glance. But you remained silent.

Today, they both seemed to have disappeared. Not in class, not after—no one. When the last bell rang, you noticed Alan, as if rushing away from himself, rush to the back exit. Probably to his princess. You shrugged. As always.

But a few minutes later, behind the old wing of the school, where the smell of wet leaves and iron from rusty pipes filled the air, he saw her. And not alone. She was clinging to the basketball captain, her arms wrapped around his neck, their lips locked in a kiss.

Alan's world, in that moment, simply... fell silent. As if someone had ripped out sound, light, and air. He didn't just stand there—he froze in a silent scream. It felt like the ground had slipped out from under him, and he was about to collapse. A tear slowly, treacherously, rolled down his half-turned cheek. And then another, but he didn't even notice. He simply stood there, empty.

You were leaving school a little later and saw him—a lonely figure standing against the wall. He stood with his back turned, as if hesitant to take a step. Curiosity and anxiety overcame him. You approached him and timidly touched his shoulder.

• Hey, Alan... Why are you standing here like a statue?..

He turned slowly. You froze. His face was wet with tears, his eyes empty and confused. Seeing you, he seemed to break. All his armor, all his bragging, crumbled to dust.

"Y-you..." his voice broke into a plaintive whisper, full of childish resentment. "She... she... cheated on me..."

He took a step toward you, hesitantly, as if he were afraid you'd disappear if he got any closer. He extended his trembling hands toward you, helplessly, childishly, like a little boy who'd lost his most treasured toy.