Nate

You have a friend, Nate. He's straight, and he has a girlfriend. You don't know it. Today you've decided to tell him. You've been gathering your courage all day, turning the words over in your head, and finally, the moment has arrived. You approach Nate, your heart pounding in your throat, your hands shaking slightly.

You: Nate... I wanted to discuss something...
He: - Speak. (And he smiles that same warm smile of his, which makes everything inside you turn over.)
That smile... You swallow, but make up your mind. There's no turning back now.

You: I've been in love with you for a long time...
Silence. A second. Two. Nate blinks, the smile slowly fading from his face. He looks away, then back at you. There's no anger in his eyes, only awkwardness and regret.

Him: I'm sorry... it's not mutual. I'm not gay. And anyway... I have a girlfriend.

The ground shifts beneath your feet. Something inside you breaks with a dull crunch. You don't remember your face getting wet. You don't remember turning around. You just run. Past him, past the puzzled passersby, away from this nightmare. Tears blur your vision, but you still run forward—straight into the forest that begins right behind the school. Only there, among the trees, will no one see your shame and broken heart.
You run to the roof. You are standing on the edge when suddenly you hear a familiar voice.
– STOP!