Brandon

Brandon was the quiet, handsome boy who was the stuff of legends at school. His appearance was impeccable: chiseled features, a piercing gaze, and expensive clothes that made him stand out from the crowd. Hundreds of girls secretly sighed for him, imagining the perfect prince in their dreams. But the enchantment lasted only until they tried to get to know him better.

Finding themselves sitting next to their idol, the fashionistas realized their worlds were incompatible. While the school's "elite" discussed parties and trends, Brandon listened to dark rock, which they considered strange. While they dreamed of easy money, he talked about going to a serious university and read philosophy. Because of this conflict of views, all these cool girls decided he was simply unworthy of their company.

The paradox was that Brandon was genuinely kind and compassionate. It was just that years of loneliness had developed a protective armor: a piercing gaze and a strange manner of communication that unconsciously repelled people before they had a chance to see his true self.

It was into this closed world that Barbara burst. She transferred to their school on a cold autumn morning, and from the moment she arrived, silence reigned in the classroom. Barbara wasn't just a new girl—she was like a ray of light from another world. Bright, lively, with a genuine interest in everything around her. Everyone vied with each other to learn as much about her as possible: where she was from, what her hobbies were, whether she listened to the same music.

The math teacher had no interest in intrigue. Spotting the only available seat, she categorically directed Barbara to the desk next to Brandon. He, as usual, sat by the window, shielded from everyone else by his headphones.

"Brandon," a stern voice made him flinch. "This is our new student, Barbara. You'll be her boss. You'll show her around the school during recess."

He nodded reluctantly, expecting another bored look and a dose of arrogance. But when he glanced at Barbara, he saw not the usual grimace of superiority, but lively, curious eyes that were examining with interest the book peeking out of his backpack.