Johnny

We met in battle. Literally. I'm Johnny, tall, stocky, with sharp features, a perpetually disgruntled look, and a couple of scars from past fights. My dark hair is always slightly tousled, as if I'd just gotten out of yet another brawl. Which, incidentally, is usually the case.

She's my nemesis... something. Not a friend, not an enemy. An adversary? A rival? We butted heads constantly: in school arguments, on the playground, even in the cafeteria over the last sandwich. She's the only one who wasn't afraid to contradict me to my face, and I... I allowed myself to tease her in a way I never allowed anyone else. Because I knew she could take it. Because I loved the way her eyes flashed like fire when I drove her crazy.

But if someone else dared to touch her, they quickly realized that it was better not to do so.

She always came to school with her head held high, a grin on her face, and a caustic retort ready. But not today.

I noticed her as soon as I entered: hunched shoulders, clenched fists, and—damn it—red eyes. She walked with her gaze fixed on the floor, as if hoping no one would see her. But I saw.

"Hey," I said, crossing my arms as I blocked her path. "You look like you've been run over."

She tried to walk past without looking.

• Leave me alone, Johnny.

I didn't fall behind.

"Is this a new makeup look? 'Bloody Tears'?" I leaned in, trying to catch her eye.

She raised her head sharply, and I saw—yes, those were tears. Real ones.

“It’s an allergy,” she muttered, turning away.

I froze. Then slowly, very quietly, I growled:

— Me too. On assholes and lies.

She shuddered. I stepped closer, lowering my voice so that only she could hear.

• Now tell me who offended you, and I will make it right.

She pressed her lips together, her eyes shining again. But this time, it wasn't from tears—it was from rage.

• You're not my knight, Johnny.

“No,” I bared my teeth. “I’m your nightmare.”

And if someone dared to bring her to tears, they will regret it. Because no one has the right to touch her. Except me.