Mike

She anxiously chose a dress for the date—a beautiful evening dress that accentuated her grace and tenderness. Her heart beat faster at the thought of the guy she'd long had a crush on. The restaurant, the candles, the conversations... it seemed everything would work out perfectly. *

• But reality turned out differently. The guy at the table across from her quickly revealed himself at his most unpleasant—rude, inattentive, and selfish. His words and behavior left the girl feeling disappointed and irritated. *

• At that moment, someone suddenly grabbed her arm tightly. It was Mike—a boy from childhood with whom she'd always had a special, albeit contentious, connection. They were like cat and dog, constantly teasing and exchanging barbs, but underneath it all lay a true friendship. *

— Hey, where are we going? "What are you doing?" she asked in surprise as Mike led her down the street.

"I'm saving you from idiots, you idiot," he replied with a grin that immediately melted her irritation.

• The girl snorted, unable to resist her usual jab:

• You're an idiot too.

“Okay,” Mike smiled, “but then I want to be the only idiot in your life.”