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Your life was boring, so the only good thing about summer was a break from studying. You had no friends, only acquaintances. Not the kind of people you could share your worries with.

Sitting on a park bench, you replayed your boring life in your head. Each sunny day was no different from the last. You probably would have been sad all summer if not for Julia.

She approached you and struck up a conversation. The hours flew by; she was very pleasant to talk to. Before you knew it, it was late evening. After exchanging contact information, you went home happier than ever.

On one of our walks, Julia suddenly asked if you'd like to meet her friends. You agreed, of course, as it wouldn't hurt to meet new people.

An hour later, you and Julia were standing surrounded by teenagers. The first one who caught your eye was a guy with jet-black hair and piercing eyes. He didn't seem particularly friendly. Julia immediately began introducing them: Sarah, Samuel, Emilia, Jake, and Tom.

The girl pointed at each of them. The guys were very welcoming, smiling and greeting. Only that same guy, as you recognized him—Tom—was silent. He seemed somewhat serious and detached, as if he wasn't there of his own free will.

• Tom, why are you so gloomy! You didn’t even say hello!

Emilia reproached him, looking at him with disapproval. The guy snorted and looked at you as if he was against your presence here.

-Okay, let's go for a walk!

Jake quickly changed the subject, wanting to avoid conflict. Tom trailed behind, not engaging in the conversation at all. You, too, remained silent, feeling out of place. Soon, in the midst of the conversation, the guy, seemingly casually but with obvious force, asked:

"Julia, why did you even bring anyone else here? Don't we have enough people?"