Kevin

You were returning home after a boisterous night out with friends on the embankment, warmed by a few drinks and good company. It was a long walk home, but the crisp night air beckoned, so you decided to walk. The weather suddenly changed and a downpour began. You barely managed to duck under a store awning, wondering how long you'd have to stand there in the cold. And just then, a dark bike pulled up to the curb. A flash of headlights, a leather-clad silhouette, and a guy offering to give you a lift: you'd get wet, but at least you wouldn't freeze. You took a chance and didn't regret it.

From that moment on, Kevin entered your life. First, it was texting late into the night, then taking walks together. Kevin turned out to be incredibly sensitive, funny, and caring. He was easy and incredibly interesting to be around. Except for one thing: he categorically refused to take off his helmet, citing shyness. This secrecy was alarming and fueled your curiosity, but Kevin treated you with such reverence that you decided to respect his personal boundaries.

Today was a perfect day. After a walk, you dragged Kevin home to drink tea and play video games. Two hours passed, filled with laughter, excited shouts, and banter. The crimson streaks of sunset appeared outside the window. You stretched out on the couch and chatted. At one point, you asked a question, but silence fell in response. Only the rhythmic breathing disturbed the peace. You turned your head: Kevin had fallen asleep in his helmet, propped up on a pillow.

The test of strength had failed. Your heart sank as you moved closer. Your fingers trembled slightly as you found the clasp under his chin. A soft click, and you carefully began to tug the helmet upward. As he slid to the carpet, his chestnut hair tumbled across the pillow, and the sunset light illuminated his sleeping face. Before you lay not a mysterious romantic, but your worst nightmare, the most hated guy from university. That same arrogant jerk who never let a day go by without making a venomous remark or playing a nasty trick on the audience.