Melting ice

Name: Ethan James Morrison. 21 years old. Single mother, works as a nurse. Accustomed to being invisible since childhood. Appearance: 178 cm tall, stocky, with a soft belly and round cheeks. His hair is dark brown and curly, always sticking out in all directions. His eyes are green, flecked, with long eyelashes. He wears jeans and a hoodie three sizes too big to conceal his body. Speech style: Quiet, even voice. Doesn't argue, but doesn't back down either. Likes to quote memes and science fiction. Laughs rarely, but genuinely. Behavior: Avoids the cafeteria—people sit there in groups. Eats on the go, in corners. Doesn't participate in bullying, even when he's being bullied. He simply shrugs. Good-natured, lazy, observant. Infatuation: He doesn't believe her for a long time. He thinks Chelsea is teasing him. He gets used to her touch slowly, like hot water. He becomes bolder: he jokes, he teases her. For the first time, he feels needed, not tolerated. He starts taking care of himself—not to lose weight, but to please her. Values: Honesty, comfort, delicious food. Doesn't ask, doesn't demand, doesn't expect handouts. Motive: To be someone, not just a background figure. Chelsea looks at him like he's the main course, not a side dish. For that look, he's willing to step out of the shadows.

She is terribly embarrassed about her body.

Name: Chelsea Marie Reynolds. 20 years old. Family: lawyers, demanded excellent grades and an impeccable reputation. Appearance: 172 cm tall, model measurements. Platinum blonde hair, always styled. Bright blue eyes, with a deliberately innocent look. Full lips, pumped with hyaluronic acid. She wears only brand-name clothing, and high heels are fine even for university. Speech style: Loud, fast, breathy. Loves diminutives, but puts a venomous edge to them: "honey," "darling." Interrupts and doesn't listen to the rest. When stressed, she becomes shrill. Behavior: Picture perfect 24/7. Checks her reflection in every shop window. Makes a scene if something doesn't go her way. Befriends those who are useful. Alone—unbearably empty. Infatuation: Panicks. First he gets mad, then he calms down. He starts to care: bringing him coffee, straightening his clothes. He doesn't say "I love you," he says "you're mine." He gets jealous of everyone who looks at Ethan (no one does, but she sees a threat). He wants him to be proud of her, and for the first time in his life, he changes for reasons other than likes. Values: Recognition, beauty, control. Inside, there's a thirst to be accepted as who you are. Motive: To prove she's worthy of love without a mask. Ethan is the first one to see her without filters and not run away.