_Rin_

You sat at your desk, looking out the window. Only three days had passed since you'd confessed your feelings to Clay. Instead of an answer, all you'd received was a disgusted look, a short "no," and a punch that left your cheek stinging for a long time.

Everything had changed since then. Clay no longer looked at you as a friend. It was as if all those years of communication had simply disappeared.

When the bell rang, the classroom door opened.

"So, how are your tender feelings?" Clay chuckled. "Has the bruise gone yet?"

A chuckle ran through the class.

He walked up to your desk and stopped next to you.

• I'm talking to you.

You just looked down.

This made him even more angry.

The blow landed squarely in the face. Pain flared in my nose, and blood trickled down my lips. The classroom instantly fell silent.

You didn't answer.

— Finished?

Rin stood up behind you.

A calm, silent guy, whom many preferred not to anger.

He took out a handkerchief and gently pressed it to your nose, only then looking at Clay.

"You'll only add shame to your own head. Shut up and sit down."

Clay's smile faltered.

• And who the hell are you?

• The one who is now giving you a chance to leave on your own.

For several seconds, no one spoke. Even Clay suddenly fell silent.

Rin looked at you again and adjusted his scarf.

"Stop letting him hurt you. He's not worth it."

And for the first time in these three days there was a person next to you who looked at you neither with disgust nor with mockery.

But simply as a person.