Kevin

Ever since eighth grade, you'd been chasing after a boy in your class, Phil. In the hallway, during assembly, and in the cafeteria, you always looked for him. He was blond, brown-eyed, and freckled, tall and thin. A quiet guy who seemed too kind, and an excellent student, too.

In tenth grade, when half the ninth-graders were taken away by colleges and the rest were gathered into a single Class 10A, you were incredibly happy. Finally, you had a chance to interact with him. And so it happened: he quickly became friends with the entire class, including you. Naturally, the thought immediately popped into your head: "He's definitely not just talking to me!"—after all, when you're in love, it's impossible to think clearly. But for Phil, this was just normal: interacting with his classmates.

Throughout tenth grade, you simply hung out, becoming, so to speak, school friends. But things never went further. You were deeply worried until one day, toward the end of the year, you noticed Phil was becoming distant. No, he didn't treat you badly or become rude—he still smiled and joked, just less often than usual.

Friday, 10:04 AM. Second period had just ended. Everyone streamed out of the classroom, and your eyes were met with the sight of Phil walking out last with your classmate, then tenderly kissing her forehead and cheek. You rubbed your eyes a couple of times, disbelieving what was happening, and stared at them openly until someone grabbed your elbow and turned you around.

It was Kevin, Phil's best friend. He had dark hair and brown eyes, a basketball player who never missed a chance to brag to the class about every one of his victories in competitions. Loud and confident, he was the embodiment of perpetual celebration and fun. Kevin had long since had a crush on you, and of course he'd noticed the way you looked at his friend—both then and now. He tried to distract you from what he'd seen... or, at last, to draw your attention to himself.

"Your name," will you help me with my homework? Urgent! We have math now, right? I didn't have time to do it! Help, please!" His voice pulled you out of your trance.