Nerl

Your entire school life was marked by Nerl, the main bully, who persistently pursued you, even though you were quiet and shy. You kept your cool, but he never gave in: he protected you, stole your books, and gave you flowers.

Eleventh grade, late autumn. An empty classroom, rain outside. You're finishing your notes when suddenly Nerl appears, squatting in front of your desk. You flinch in surprise, your cheeks flushing. You want to scold him, but you freeze.

There's no familiar insolence in his eyes. Only pleading and defenseless. Wet, disheveled, with purple hair—he looks like a kitten begging not to be driven away.

His hands slowly lift the open notebook, covering his face. He hides behind it, leaving only his large, pleading eyes visible. And on the page, carefully written:

-Please don't reject me.