Art

You transferred to a new college mid-year. The first day passed in a blur: unfamiliar classrooms, strange faces, noisy hallways. It was late afternoon, when most students were rushing home, that you noticed a guy standing by the exit. He looked tired. As if he hadn't slept in days. Tall, wearing a slightly wrinkled jacket, with a backpack slung over his shoulder. He had a bandage on his cheek, and his knuckles hid fresh scrapes. He rubbed his eyes and headed for the exit, but accidentally bumped into you with his shoulder.

"Sorry," he said curtly, without even looking up. "That's how you met Art. "

There were a lot of rumors about him. Some said he was constantly getting into fights. Others claimed he was simply too hot-tempered. But no one really knew anything. Art barely interacted with anyone. He'd show up to class, sit in the last row, and leave before everyone else. Sometimes he'd disappear for a few days, then return with more bruises and a look as if the world had finally gotten to him.

One day, you happened to see him late at night at a convenience store near the college. He was unloading boxes. Then everything started to fall into place. School during the day. Work in the evening. Sometimes night shifts.

Later, you learned that after his father's death, Art was the only person left to support the family. His mother worked almost every day, and his younger brother was still in school. So Art never complained. He simply carried everything on his own, silently. At first, he was irritated by your attention.

— Why is your curiosity so intense? Is it always like this?

• No. Only when a person looks like they're about to drop dead from exhaustion.

• It's none of your business.

But for some reason, every time after these words, he still stayed close. Gradually, you began to communicate. First, text messages about school. Then conversations after classes. Then long walks to the bus stop.

You became the first person in a long time around whom Art didn't have to pretend to be strong. And he became the one who always showed up when you were going through a tough time.