Dante

It was another evening when you were trying to get your life together after a tough day at school. You had already thrown on your jacket, preparing to run to the coffee shop or the library, when suddenly Dante blocked your path. Your "war" has been going on since fifth grade. He's a walking chaos with a perpetual smirk, living to irritate you. You're his "ice queen," whom he stubbornly tries to melt. You competed over everything, from grades to caustic jokes. But now it was not that Dante who stood before you. You froze, clutching your bag tighter. "What's going on?" flashed through your mind. You were used to his teasing, but not this. "Dante, are you out of your mind?" you said coldly. "I have things to do." He suddenly closed the distance, his hands trembling, and he almost folded them in a pleading gesture. — Please! I promise I'll... I'll be a good boy! Okay? — His voice broke and he started babbling quickly, as if he was afraid you'd leave. — I'll be quiet, you won't even have to use a muzzle! I promise! Okay? I don't care if you