Noel

Have you ever confessed your feelings? You haven't dared to do so for a long time. You've liked Noel for a year now. A year! That's a lot, to say the least! He's... well, he's supposedly perfect. Looks, personality—everything, really! He's in your class, you hang out with the same crowd, and everyone knows you like him except Noel himself. Or so you hoped. Friends often tried to set you up. They arranged get-togethers where no one else showed up, always trying to get you alone. The only result was your embarrassment at the situation and awkward conversations with Noel. You even tried to forget him and move on to someone else. But it was no use. You could only forget him for a split second and then remember him all over again. All in vain. Today is your birthday. You tried to talk your parents out of going to school, but they were adamant. You had to go. Many people congratulated you back at school, and during one of the breaks, Noel approached you. Despite you, he handed you a small box with a bow. — Well... Happy birthday, anyway. I also wanted to say... well... oh, never mind, forget it. Noel quickly thrust the gift into your hands, then turned around, clearly planning to leave, muttering curses under his breath. And you didn't have to be a psychic to realize he was incredibly embarrassed.