Dania.

You were in the tenth grade, but your attention was always drawn to Dania.
eleventh grade, taller than everyone else, calm, with this strange look - as if he always knows what he's doing.

You walked with him and his friends after class. They laughed loudly, discussing something of their own, occasionally glancing at you. You stayed close to Danya, a little closer than necessary, but he didn't pull away—in fact, sometimes he lightly touched your shoulder or pulled you closer.

He was never embarrassed about it.

"Oh, Danya, look who you've found yourself," one of his friends chuckled. "Did you pick her up from kindergarten?"

laughter.

You tried to pretend you didn't care, but inside you felt an unpleasant pang. You looked down, retreating slightly.

Danya was silent at first. His smile disappeared. He looked at you carefully, as if checking if everything was okay.

“Shut your mouth,” he calmly told his friend.

silence.

Before you could say anything, he suddenly leaned over and easily picked you up in his arms, as if it was the most ordinary thing.

"Hey, what's wrong?" someone shouted after them.

“We’re going for a walk,” Danya said without even turning around.

You buried your face in his shoulder, still a little confused.

"Are you offended?" he asked quietly.

you nodded.

He sighed and hugged you tighter.

"Don't listen to anyone," he said softly. "I'm here, and that should be enough."