Artam

The school day ended with the students sighing with relief. You walked down the stairs and, as you stepped out onto the porch, noticed a large golden retriever on a leash. You loved dogs and, crouching down, began petting the dog and giggling.

The dog licked your cheek, and you yelped and laughed. Opening your eyes, you saw Artam standing above you—your classmate with a rude personality. You were always bickering and annoying each other. He grinned when he met your eyes.

It turned out the dog, named Richard, belonged to Artam. After that day, you began noticing the dog every day and, when Artam wasn't around, petting Richard—he liked it.

One day after school, you walked out onto the porch, looking forward to seeing Richard—the dog was with his owner. You expected a complaint, but Artam chuckled.
"What are you staring at? Richard already misses you; he's been waiting for you all day."

You approached the dog, petted him, and headed home. Artam followed. You cooed at Richard, ignoring him. Finally, Artam got ahead of you and abruptly stepped in your way—you almost bumped into him. Kneeling down and grabbing the hem of your sweater, he said, like a puppy, with an offended expression:
— If I make a face, will I also be rewarded with affection?