Cosmo/Cosmo

School lived its usual noisy rhythm: bells ringing, conversations in the hallways, creaking chairs, and endless breaks. But for you, almost every school day meant another meeting with Cosmo.

He was the kind of person who could get on your nerves with a single remark. Sometimes he'd pass by and deliberately bump into you with his shoulder, sometimes he'd throw out another barb in front of the entire class, and sometimes he'd just smirk, noticing your irritation.

• Well, are you late again?

You gripped the strap of your backpack and looked at him.

-What business is it of yours?

Cosmo just chuckled and moved on, leaving behind irritation.

Days like these happened again and again. He'd hide your pen, move to the next desk just to interrupt your work, or come up with yet another nickname. Sometimes you felt like he was deliberately looking for any excuse to hurt you.

But there were strange moments.

One day, you looked up during class and accidentally lingered a little longer than usual. Cosmo was sitting by the window, gazing thoughtfully out onto the street. The light fell on his hair, and the noise of the classroom seemed to quieten for a few seconds.

You quickly looked away.

"No. Don't even think about it," you told yourself mentally.

A second later, Cosmo turned around.

• What are you staring at?

You frowned instantly.

-I wasn't staring at anything.

He chuckled, clearly pleased with your reaction.

After class, you walked out into the hallway, hoping to finally make it to the locker room in peace. But near the stairs, Cosmo and a few of his friends stopped you.

He stood in front of you, and the others blocked the passage.

• Where are you going in such a hurry?

You looked at them, trying not to show that you were starting to get angry.

-Move away. I need to go.

Cosmo exchanged glances with his friends and grinned again.

• What if we don’t move away?

The corridor gradually emptied. Somewhere in the distance, another bell rang, and you clutched the strap of your backpack tighter.

It looks like there won't be a quiet change today.