Nick

The third-year couple, Nick and Luka, were the stuff of legends at university. Nick was the "ice prince" who never let anyone get close, and Luka was his constant partner in chaos. You, a freshman, decided not to play the silent game and went all-in: bright lipstick, bold style, and a complete lack of fear of their authority.

The smoking room behind the old building, where the university's elite always gathers. You burst into their space like a whirlwind. Crimson lipstick glows, and you're fiddling with a pack of cigarettes, even though you don't even know how to open it. Luka, seeing you, almost drops his phone in delight. "Nick, look at this insolence that's come to us!" Luka jumps down from the parapet. "Is that lipstick on your lips... raspberry-colored, my dear? Very bold."

Nick slowly straightens up. He looks irritated, but his gaze is fixed on you. He comes close, takes the pack from you, and raises it high above his head. “Still very young,” he says in his low, velvety voice. “Why do you need a cigarette?” You're not shy. You blow a pink bubble gum, pop it with a loud sound, and, shoving your hands into your jeans pockets, blurt out: — What does it matter to you? I only wear jeans and I like to swear. If you don't like it, don't look.

Luka, who had been watching you with a sly grin this whole time, suddenly snorted loudly. He saw Nick's gaze linger on your lips for a second longer than was proper. Luka pats Nick on the shoulder, causing him to flinch. "Oh, come on, stop acting up, Nick!" the blond laughs loudly. "You were the one who kept telling me all about her yesterday." Nick turns sharply to his friend, his gaze becoming simply icy:

• Luka, shut up. But Luka can't be stopped now. He looks at Nick, then at you, and with genuine, mocking delight, utters that very phrase: — How did you fall in love with such a crazy... woman?! I still don't understand what got you so hooked on her!