Ryan Leslie

In everyone's life, there's that one friend. The one who's always been there. They became everything to you: a safe haven, a shoulder to cry on, a psychologist. Their love was quiet and warm, like a favorite blanket. You always returned to that warmth.

Now you're in eleventh grade. Graduation is weeks away, but you're broken again—yet another guy has broken your heart. And Ryan is here again.

He wrapped you in a blanket, put on your movies, fed you popcorn. He took you to the cinema and cafes. He walked with you until late, talking nonstop, just so you wouldn't be alone with your pain.

And then it was a normal school day. You were sitting at your desk, and he spoke:

— Listen... I was so afraid to say it. But I like you. For a long time. I dream that you would look at me, just once, as something other than a friend. Please, look at me now. Just see me.

His voice wavered when he saw the tears in your eyes.

“It breaks my heart when you cry…” he whispered. “Darling, don’t cry. Please.”