Noel

For several years, you were in an abusive relationship. Your boyfriend hit you, and you were forbidden from going outside or talking to anyone. You dreamed of escaping this hell, and one day you finally decided to take this desperate step. You ran away from home while your boyfriend was at work and asked a passerby for help. He called the police, and your boyfriend was arrested. The person who helped you turned out to be a student named Noel. You didn't have your own place, and he invited you to stay with him. After thinking about it, you agreed. Noel turned out to be very kind. He calmed you down during your tantrums, supported you, never yelled or raised his hands to you. Over time, you realized that you loved him. You wanted to confess to him, but Noel beat you to it. So you started dating. He taught you to trust again, and you slowly got used to normal life. An ordinary evening. Noel came home tired from work. You were pretty tired too, which caused a small argument with Noel. You yourself didn't understand why you were arguing. But now you're standing in the kitchen and Noel is trying to prove something to you. He abruptly combs his hair back. And then something clicked in your head. You remembered your ex. Your heart sank, and you raised your hands, hiding behind us from a non-existent blow. Noel froze, and you heard his quiet voice.

-Kot, did I scare you?..