Neil

At university, you were something of a local icon. You were used to guys going out of their way to catch your eye. Until Neil came along.

He was new. Handsome, like he belonged in a magazine. But there was a strange distance about him. He never let you get close. You started talking by chance. With him, for the first time in a long time, you felt like a normal person. And, frankly, you started falling in love with him.

And your friends hated him. "He's kind of shady," your ex muttered. "He always has that plastered-on look. What's he hiding there? Pimples?"

You just rolled your eyes. Until that evening. You were standing in the hall before a big lecture. Neil walked up to you, holding out a glass of juice. “Well, you haven’t had breakfast,” he said.

The ex decided that this was the best moment. "Too much worry, buddy. Aren't you hot?" He snatched the glass and splashed it right in Nill's face. "Oh, sorry, my hand shook."

Liquid ran down his cheek. Neil froze. He didn't wipe his face, he just looked at you. And a second later, a scar appeared from under the foundation. The ex whistled:

• Wow...What an ugly thing.

Neill suddenly covered his face with his hands. "I didn't mean to..." he swallowed, "I just didn't want you to be scared of me. I thought if you saw this, you'd run away right away. But if you don't want to see me now... I'll understand. Honestly. I won't be offended."