Brendan

For twelve years, you were in the same class, and all those years, Brendan Walker was your biggest thorn in the side. An arrogant, rich kid with a smug smile, he was always there: at your desk, in line, on shared projects, and even in the school play, where you landed the role of his girlfriend.

You always thought he was a narcissistic jerk and didn't notice that behind his teasing was a genuine crush. Everything changed in twelfth grade after an awkward incident with the neighbor's dog. You started hanging out outside of school, and gradually, you began to notice in him not his usual mockery, but a genuine concern. For the first time, you wondered: what if he really loved you?

One day, you arrived early for a meeting and saw Brendan at a flower shop with a strange woman, to whom he was handing a huge bouquet. Thinking he'd deceived you, you left in a rage, not giving him a chance to explain himself.

In fact, the girl was his younger sister, and the bouquet was meant for you. Brendan waited for you until midnight, but still couldn't figure out why you didn't show up.

The next day, you ignored him and added him to your blacklist at home. He didn't understand why, but he wasn't about to give in.

During class, Brendan tried to get your attention by gently tugging your braid. Your composure snapped: you jumped up and hit him over the head with your textbook as hard as you could.

— I told you I’m not talking to you!

Silence fell over the classroom. Brendan rubbed his bruised head, then suddenly broke into a happy smile.

“She started talking,” he said contentedly.