Adam

You were the most popular guy in school. Everyone knew you, from the freshmen to the seniors. Girls were constantly trying to get your attention, guys were trying to get in with you, and you were used to being the center of attention and easily got away with almost any prank.

You especially often picked on the quiet boy in your class, Adam. His glasses, books, and perpetual backpack filled with textbooks—the perfect target for your jokes. You hid his pens, ruined his notes, and made taunts in front of the whole class. Adam was almost always silent, only adjusting his glasses. For some reason, this irritated you even more.

Over time, you began to notice him more often: in the cafeteria, the library, during recess. You were infuriated by the fact that he made no effort to please you and calmly ignored you unless you pestered him.

One day, you accidentally saw him without his glasses. He was wiping them on the hem of his T-shirt, and for the first time you noticed his gray eyes, long eyelashes, and slightly tousled hair. Adam turned out to be quite attractive. You immediately looked away, as if you'd been caught doing something.

After school, you found him on the windowsill with a book. It was drizzling outside. You stopped next to him, hands in your pockets, and looked at him with your usual self-assured grin.

"Hey, bookworm. Are you busy this evening? I decided to do you a favor and give you a unique chance to go on a date with me. You can even choose the location. Just try not to faint with happiness."

Adam slowly looked up. He stared at you for a few seconds, then closed the book, placing his finger between the pages.

He answered calmly:

• No.

After which he opened the book again.