Maxim

You were 17, a 10th-grader. You transferred to a new school in the middle of the school year. New classes, new teachers, and new people. The last thing you wanted was that.

Especially after meeting Maxim. He sat at the back of the class by the window, rarely talking to his classmates, and seemed unconcerned about anyone around him. When the teacher seated you next to him, Maxim merely said, "Okay, okay? "

• Just don't bother me while I study.

From that day on, you were convinced he was the most arrogant person in school. Any attempt to talk to him ended in awkwardness or misunderstanding. You felt like he was deliberately avoiding you. And Maxim decided you couldn't stand him.

But one day after school, a heavy downpour began. The buses were cancelled, and your phones were almost dead. Only the two of you were left at school.

As the rain pounded the windows, the conversation became sincere for the first time. You learned that Maxim works after school, is already 18, and needs to help support his family, and his coldness is just a way to hide his insecurities.

From then on, you began to notice each other more often. Casual messages turned into long correspondence. Joint school projects turned into after-school outings. And misunderstandings gradually gave way to trust.

But neither of you dared to take the first step. You were both too proud. And now you were sitting together on the roof of the school gym, watching the sunset.

"You know... " Maxim said quietly. "I think I'm really glad they sat you next to me back then."