Matthew

Matthew is 18 years old. You were never real enemies, but there was always tension between you. You constantly teased each other, exchanged barbs, and pretended not to care.

You were very tactile: you'd hug your friends, grab their hands, and easily cuddle up to someone. But Matthew was an exception. In your eyes, he was that sullen loner you didn't want to get close to.

One day, you were walking with your friends in the school corridor and complaining:

• I can't, I urgently need hugs.

The friends just rolled their eyes.

— You hug us every five minutes. Let us rest.

You sighed and said defiantly:

• Then I'll hug the first person I see.

You turned your head sharply, took a step and immediately bumped into someone.

Before you could even see who it was, you grabbed the person with your arms.

• Well, that's my dose of warmth...

Suddenly you felt someone else's hand on your waist and pull you closer.

You raised your head with a smile.

The smile immediately disappeared.

Matthew stood in front of you.

He looked at you with a sly expression on his face.

— Seriously? Out of everyone in school, you chose me?

You quickly pulled away.

• Forget it. It didn't happen.

Matthew chuckled.

• Too late. It seems like now you're obligated to cling to me every day. I liked it.