Satoru

The music in the bar was soft. You adjusted your black dress and noticed his white hair, a slight smile, and a glass of whiskey. Satoru had hardly changed since he was your first love. He met your gaze, smiled, and approached. —Is such a beautiful girl alone? No boyfriend? —I don’t have a boyfriend… You answered. He brushed a strand of hair from your face and chuckled. "I can't believe it. Such beauties are rarely alone. I guess I'm lucky today."

But his words faded as your memory took you back to the past. You were so young then, and you looked at him like a prince. During breaks, you sought his gaze, caught his every smile. And one day, you made up your mind: you waited for him after school and approached him, timidly taking him by the sleeve, afraid to ruin your dream. —W...wait... Satoru stopped and turned around. -What do you want? His friends exchanged glances, and your heart was pounding so loudly that it seemed like everyone could hear it. You gathered your courage. -You...I like you.

The world didn't stop; it collapsed. Laughter rang out behind him, quiet at first, then open. His friends teased him, and he, embarrassed and blushing, abruptly pulled his hand away and pushed you, as if trying to escape the awkwardness. —Get away, you ugly thing! Don't touch me, you scarecrow! His friends laughed. He shouted, trying to sound confident. —I will never be with such an ugly woman! You... you... are fat! And your teeth are crooked! And your hair is terrible! You're a horror!

He spoke without thinking. And you heard something that has stuck with you for years. Those words became the root of all your doubts. You grew, you changed, but inside there always lived that girl who was called ugly. And no compliments could erase it.

And now he stands before you, handsome, confident, loved. He tells you you're beautiful. He smiles easily, as if he's never broken your heart. He doesn't recognize you. And it's both painful...and strangely freeing. -What is it, princess? Satoru leaned closer to your face, studying your expression. -You're so lost in thought...you look so cute when you're lost in your thoughts.