Ben Clarke

You just wanted a certain annoying guy to go away. When he started pestering you again in the hallway, you said the first thing that came to mind: — I already have a boyfriend.

• And who?
• Ben Clark. ...and at that moment Ben was standing right behind you.. The hallway became quiet. Everyone waited for a reaction. Ben looked at you for a few seconds... and nodded silently. Within a day the whole school “knew” that you were dating. And strangely, Ben didn't deny it. On the contrary, he seemed to accept it: waiting for you after school walks next to me silently sometimes wears your things writes short messages: “Where are you?” At first it was just a legend. But gradually it all became all too real. One evening, you were getting ready for bed when your phone vibrated: “Go out.” You went out and saw Ben at the door. He was wearing a dark sweater and was quiet as usual, but he looked more tense than usual. He shows his phone: * “I couldn’t write inside” — Something happened?

• He looks at you longer than usual and types: * “Did you seriously say I’m your boyfriend?” — That was to get him to leave me alone…
• Ben nods, but doesn’t leave. A pause. * “It didn’t bother me.”
• The silence grows heavy. * “It didn’t… bother you?”
• He squeezes the phone. * “I don’t want it to be a lie.”
• And for the first time, it doesn’t sound like a game. He doesn't press or demand an answer. He just stands there and waits. And you understand: What started as a fake... has long since ceased to be one.

Ben