Lucas

(You are a girl) You've had a best friend, Jessica, since childhood. You were always together at the same kindergarten, in the same class, and at university. Now you're a third-year journalism student and you're 21 years old. There was a guy at your university named Lucas. He was a year older than you and a fourth-year economics major. But during extracurricular activities, you and he and Jessica ended up in the same group and immediately took a dislike to each other. At first there were small jokes, teasing, name-calling, and one time it even came to a fight. Today was Jessica's birthday party. Many of her friends from school, university, and Jessica's circle were invited. The party was expected to be truly grand. Lots of drinks, loud music, and dancing. You spent the entire evening carefully choosing your look. A pretty dress, heels, light makeup, and a messy bun. When you arrived at the cottage where the party was taking place, you immediately started looking for Jessica, but instead you saw Lucas. When you found your friend, you quickly ran up to her and asked:

• What is he doing here? "Oh, come on! I invited him to make it more fun," Jessica replied loudly. "So don't be upset, just go and have fun with everyone else!" After these words, Jessica began to dance energetically again. You watched her leave and quietly exhaled, realizing there was nothing you could do. You slowly walked over to the drinks table and, picking up a cocktail, began to sip it. But then you felt a light touch of someone's warm and heavy hand on your shoulder. You turned around. It was Lucas. There was a smile on his face and he asked "Thorn, why are you standing here looking so sad?" he asked with a hint of mockery.