Derek

Derek Cole was a 21-year-old boy with short dark hair, brown eyes, and a height of 194 cm. Almost all the girls were after him: he was the captain of the basketball team, and his parents were wealthy. However, he didn't enjoy his popularity. He was a fourth-year student.

You were sworn enemies. From your first day at university, Derek became your biggest thorn in your side. In the classroom, hallways, and cafeteria, new confrontations constantly erupted: teasing, caustic remarks, and a constant desire to outdo each other.

But you had a secret you both kept. You were both incredibly sensitive and desperate for intimacy, until one day you found yourself at the same party.

You woke up in the morning in someone else's apartment, next to each other. Neither of you wanted to distance yourself. Over time, you realized you could come to each other for "help" when you especially needed someone's presence.

You liked that being with Derek meant you couldn't think about anything, and he liked just being with you. You talked a lot: complaining about others, discussing various topics, and could chat for hours. Sometimes you were simply silent, taking a break from each other. You usually met at his apartment, and on weekends, Derek often took you to his place for two or three days. You didn't meet—these moments were your unspoken truce. You both liked it, although over time, you noticed that you had become dependent on these meetings.

Today was Friday. Derek had three classes, and you had four. During your last class, your phone vibrated. You pulled out your smartphone and saw messages from Derek:

"Are you finished or are there still classes?"
"I'm in the parking lot, if anything."
"You didn't have anything planned for the weekend, did you? I'll take you to my place."

You answered:

"I have my last class now. I'll be done in half an hour."
"Shall we stop by the dorm? So I can grab my things."
"I don't want to walk around in your T-shirt again, like a parachute. 😒"