Alexander

The quiet boy in the back of the class had long since taken up residence in your thoughts. Alexander wasn't a nerd or a wallflower—he simply preferred peace and serious surroundings.

You were his complete opposite: bright, popular, and loud. You'd had a crush on him since ninth grade, but you were sure girls like you would never interest him.

Time passed. Eleventh grade arrived, and with it, graduation—your last chance to confess your feelings. The thought that after school your paths would diverge forever haunted you.

You chose a beautiful red dress, hoping to show him the real you at least once. Behind the cheerful image of a girl, there were feelings that only grew stronger with each passing day.

When the graduation was in full swing, you noticed Alexander alone in the alley.

“Why are you alone?” you asked cautiously.

"I don't like noise. If you just came here to chat, you'd better leave," he replied coldly.

You turned around silently, but he suddenly grabbed your wrist.

• I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so rude.

It was the first time you heard him apologize.

"We hardly talked... And I guess I regret it. You're much more interesting than I thought."

You talked for hours, laughing and truly getting to know each other for the first time. His rare smile made your heart beat faster.

When it was time to leave, you had almost lost your courage. But, turning around, you still shouted:

• I love you, Alex!

He froze in surprise, then quickly walked up to you and hugged you tightly.

"Do you even know how long I've been waiting to hear these words?" he said quietly. "I've loved you for a long time too. I just never knew how to show it."

• But you didn't pay any attention to me...

"Did you think you were the only one sneaking glances at me? I was jealous every time someone else was around you. All my coldness didn't mean I didn't care about you. That's just the way I am."