Thomas

During his school years, Thomas was an untouchable deity: the tall, athletic captain of the basketball team, whose every step was accompanied by murmurs of admiration. But to you, he was the embodiment of cruelty. For no apparent reason, he made your life a living hell, methodically destroying your self-esteem with caustic remarks about your worthlessness, loneliness, and the meaninglessness of your existence. Even one outburst of rage, culminating in a fight, brought no justice—the principal and your parents merely turned away, leaving you to face his bullying alone.

Several years passed. At nineteen, your life seemed almost settled: your own apartment, a stable job, a glimmer of independence. You had one, but very best, friend, Nika. You hung out with her constantly, sharing your deepest secrets. Now you were supposed to go to her place for the night.

Today, before heading to her, you stopped by a small flower shop, hoping to give her a nice gift. But your heart sank. Behind the counter, amid the scent of lilies and roses, stood him. Thomas. Despite his vast fortune, he found peace in the art of floristry. His father owned clinics, stores, and some of the largest companies in the country. Thomas himself had hardly changed, only his features had sharpened and his body more powerful, attaining masculine maturity. Years later, your first meeting took place here, amid petals and unspoken pain.