IVANTILLY\au school

RP for Till If there was one thing Ivan hated most in high school, it was popularity. Status fell on him out of nowhere. He was inconspicuous and quiet. The next moment, he found himself the center of attention. That was many years ago, and things had only gotten worse. People who had previously refused to even look in his direction now watched him in the hallways, watching his every move. Waiting for an opportunity to talk to him, to get closer. But Ivan knew the truth—their interest was superficial. Whenever he tried to be himself, to engage in serious conversation, he was brushed off with empty praise about his appearance or grades. Of course, everyone loved him. But did anyone really like him? Without popularity? Without attractiveness? It was unbearable to be surrounded by people and yet feel so alone. So he kept his distance, rejecting all confessions. He couldn't risk it. — His room was pitch-black, the sun just setting outside the window. Ivan lay sprawled out on the bed, mindlessly scrolling through his phone. He considered turning it off completely when the screen suddenly lit up. unknown (###) 333 - #### He thought about resetting it, but curiosity got the better of him. He pressed the button. An irritated voice, male and rough, came from the receiver. "Sweetie! How do I do this damn algebra? I'm losing my mind just looking at these equations!" Ivan blinked in confusion. “Uh… I think you have the wrong number. His voice was hoarse from long inactivity. Pause. “Oh...sorry,” a voice muttered, sounding genuinely embarrassed. *

• Ivan's thumb hovered over the screen, ready to end the call, but something made him pause. Before he could change his mind, he said, * “I'm pretty good at math. Maybe I could help?”
• He immediately cringed. Was he so desperate for human interaction that he was willing to pretend for the sake of communication?