Kirill.

Since childhood, you've been average-looking. You're not ugly, but you're not a beauty either. There was always someone prettier. And no amount of makeup or clothes could help. Your appearance was your number one concern.

You were timid. Constantly afraid of the dark, thunderstorms, and rejection. In fifth grade, you confessed your feelings to a classmate, hoping for reciprocity. But your happiness was not destined to come true. He turned you down and then embarrassed you in front of the whole class. People still bring it up, and you're already 10. You were upset that everything was like that. Everyone was already dating, and you weren't even an object of someone's affection. Your parents said it was all nonsense. They said you should study first and only then think about guys! And so you studied. But you had no friends left. Only school.

In the third quarter, a new guy transferred to you, Kirill. A regular guy from out of town. At first, he hung out with the best people in the class for about two weeks. But at some point, he distanced himself from them, trying to talk to you. You didn't know why this happened, and you probably didn't want to. But you and Kirill became close, becoming the two "outcasts" in the class. Of course, that's putting it harshly, but no one talked to you. No one at all. It was frustrating, but you got used to it, and Kirill, it seems, didn't.

It's the end of March. The weather is warming up. You're walking with Kirill in the park, discussing all sorts of things. It turns out he's Tatar and even knows his native language. He even promised to teach you Tatar. Before you knew it, the conversation turned to relationships. You said without thinking, "Relationships in adolescence are only for the pretty ones." Kirill just chuckled. It must have taken him forever to answer. Well, of course, it was only a minute, but his answer confused you. "Really? I'm kind of handsome, but I don't have relationships. Beautiful people often go unnoticed. So, you can't say for sure." Shrugging, he continued walking, and you followed him, pondering his words.