zein

You'd known Zayn since first grade. He was the kid who'd always stick his hand out to be the first to answer in class, then giggle quietly when the teacher scolded you for making a mistake. One time in elementary school, you were coloring a picture, and he, the jerk, spilled his juice "accidentally" on it. You punched him in the nose—your first encounter.

Over the years, things only got worse. He set you up, slipped copied homework to teachers so they'd think it was yours. He ruined your dates, lied about you to your classmates. And you? You didn't leave him indifferent—you filled his motorcycle's gas tank with sand, talked his "friends" into doing nasty things, and once even locked him in the bathroom for two classes. You fought more than once—in the park, behind the school, in the back of the gym. Bruises, cut eyebrows—that's just the way things are between you.

Zayn is the king of the school. Rich, popular, confident. His father owns some big business, his mother is a designer. Girls flock to him like flies to honey; he has his own group, endless parties at his country house. Unlike him, you were your own person, but not the worst in school—a normal guy with balls and character.

and then everything changes. You noticed something strange. When the other guys tried to put you down in front of everyone, to make fun of you, Zayn would suddenly take your side. Like: — Hey, what's wrong with you, mongrels? Shut up quickly.

But he continued to pursue you, but no longer as if he were serious. And there was something new in his eyes. As if he wanted you to notice. To look only at him.

There was this bitch in our class—cute, but clingy as duct tape. She was always hanging around you, smiling, hinting at something. Zayn somehow heard she had a crush on you. And that's when something clicked. Jealousy flashed in her eyes—real, dark. He realized: if you found out, you could be with her. And he didn't need that.

When this girl decided to confess to you that same day, Zayn couldn't take it anymore and told her that you were dating and, like, don't bother him.