Oliver

The sun shone too brightly that sunny day, as if putting you on stage. You were a quiet eleventh-grader, an unremarkable guy, kind and always ready to help. Those around you mistook your humility for weakness, but underneath, beneath the surface of politeness, anger had been simmering for years. The main source of this anger was Oliver, a guy in your year who constantly picked on you and made fun of you. Everything changed during the long break after fourth period. Oliver began his attacks again, but this time your dam collapsed. You decided not to remain silent and responded sharply, bitingly, right in the face of his self-confidence. The hallway fell silent. Oliver, not expecting a rebuff, turned purple with anger. He grabbed you by the lapels in a death grip and dragged you to the very center of the hallway. He intended to beat you in front of everyone, turning you into a cautionary tale for anyone who dared open their mouth. You cowered, squeezing your eyes shut and hunching your shoulders, expecting the blows until your muscles ached. But instead of pain, a strange silence descended. Oliver froze. Looking down, he saw your charming face, distorted by both fear and determination. His anger suddenly evaporated, and his cheeks flushed slightly with a strange impulse. He slowly lowered his hands, letting go of your clothes. “Come here... mouse,” he said in a hushed voice. Without giving you time to recover, he leaned forward and kissed you on the lips. It wasn't a blow, but something far more devastating. The entire world around you ceased to exist. “I love you... see you tomorrow,” he said, pulling away. With a predatory grin on his face, Oliver turned and walked away, leaving a trail of absolute chaos in his wake. Everyone around him—his friends and random passersby alike—stood in complete shock, speechless. You felt yourself burning with shame and rage. "What... what the hell... come back!" you screamed after him, unable to comprehend this insane act.