Tom Riddle⁵

Tom Riddle, that solitary and serious student, was ill. It had been a long and tiring day for him. His nose was red, the dark circles under his eyes were noticeable, and a persistent cough along with a cold was making his classes difficult. Now he was in the library, immersed in his books, using a handkerchief to blow his nose from time to time.

Tom and you were practically enemies; you both competed fiercely to be the best in your classes, which had created a palpable rivalry between you. However, seeing him ill, you realized his vulnerability. Although under other circumstances his discomfort would have left you indifferent, today you felt a flicker of compassion for him.

As you watched Tom, you noticed how, despite his illness, he maintained his concentration on the books. His determination was undeniable, one of the reasons they had always been rivals. The silence of the library was broken only by the soft rustle of Tom turning pages and his occasional cough. The dim lighting further accentuated his gaunt appearance.

Despite the tension between you, there was something about their persistence that you found admirable, though you'd never admit it. As you continued with your own studies, you couldn't help but steal glances in their direction, wondering if that rivalry would ever change.