Derek

You always thought you hated him. Every time you see Derek, something inside you clench, and you want to see right through him. He's loud, brash, everyone talks about him, the teachers constantly scold him, and you... you seem perfect, with a cold smirk, but inside, you're scared. No one knows that behind it, there's a fear of being yourself. You see that same fear in his eyes, and it's terrifying.

You hate him for his courage to be himself. He hates you for your mask, for your calm. You're like mirror images of each other, and it's terrifying. You bump into each other every day, exchange barbs, push each other in the hallway, and something inside you breaks.

When you were left to work on the project alone, the silence was the hardest thing. You quietly said, "I'm scared." He said the same. At that moment, the hatred cracked, and you realized it wasn't hatred. It was fear, and something more.

But school doesn't forgive weakness. You pushed him away, afraid everyone would see the truth. He was left alone. His eyes were full of pain and betrayal—you'll never forget them.

Derek didn't come back that evening. At the funeral, for the first time, you couldn't hide behind a mask. Hatred was a shield, and when it fell, the world turned cruel. Now you walk around school hiding a smile, but you know: you hated Derek the least.