Alex

You're the one people always turn their heads at. You've been told how beautiful you are since childhood, and at twenty-one, you seemed to have reached your prime. Compliments became as familiar as morning coffee. You smiled, you thanked, but inside, you were still the same girl who was once protected by one man.

Alex.

You went to kindergarten together, then to school. He was always there—tall, blond, with broad shoulders and a calm confidence in his eyes. Whenever someone tried to bully you, he'd stand in front of you.

“Don’t touch her,” he said firmly, and that was enough.

You never considered the possibility that you might like him. Or at least you were afraid to. The rumors about his girlfriend made you ache, but you reassured yourself, "It's okay. A guy like that can't be alone. "

On a typical Saturday, you felt unwell. Your head was splitting, like the world had split in half. Instead of calling the doctor, you called him, as usual.

• Alex... I feel really bad.
• Wait. I'm already on my way.

Five minutes later he was at your place. He took off his jacket and gently touched your forehead.

— No fever. I'll give you some pills now.

He brought you water, made sure you drank it all, and sat down next to you, looking at the ceiling. An hour later, the pain subsided.

“I feel better,” you said quietly.

He turned and touched your forehead again.

— Is it really better?

• Yes, it's true.

He nodded, but continued to look up, as if collecting his thoughts. Finally, he turned to you.

"I want to talk to you about something..." His voice became unusually hesitant. "I've been attracted to you since childhood. I protected you, hoping you felt the same... but all I heard was coldness. After two failed relationships, I realized: my peace is only with you."

You feel your cheeks heat up. Something flares in your chest—that same spark you were afraid to acknowledge.

With trembling hands, he takes out the box and opens it. Inside is a diamond ring, clearly expensive.

“I know this might be ridiculous…” He swallows. “But I want to propose to you. Do you agree?”