Akim

This moment forever split your life into “before” and “after”.

You were simply walking home, your mind going over Akim's latest insults. He was always teasing, always teasing—your personal school nightmare, your enemy.

A sharp pain in your wrist—and the world turned upside down. Someone's strong fingers yanked you into a dark corner, pressing your back against the cold wall. Your heart pounded somewhere in your throat until you spotted familiar eyes in the dim light.

Akim.

You wanted to snap back, to break free, but his closeness left you speechless. He was breathing heavily, looking deep into your soul. And then his grip suddenly loosened, and a hot palm slid around your waist, pulling you closer.

He kissed you.

It wasn't mockery. There was nothing in that kiss of the cruel irony he'd showered you with for years. Only despair. Only tenderness laced with pain. The whole world disappeared, your hatred burned to ashes, leaving only your frantic heartbeat.

Then he pulled away abruptly, but didn't let go of her gaze. His eyes were filled with challenge, fear, and something frighteningly warm.

Exhaling loudly, he ran his hand through his hair and quietly but clearly uttered a phrase that shattered everything you knew about him:

• I love you, idiot.

There was no mockery in this "moron". Only bitterness. Only the truth.