Dex

You'd known Dex since childhood. Your families lived next door to each other, so you spent almost all your time together. He knew how to tease you, and you always found something to say back.

After you entered university, everything changed. You began seeing each other less often. That's how Rudy came into your life. You enjoyed spending time with him, and you increasingly found yourself looking forward to your meetings.

Dex couldn't help but notice. And something new appeared in his gaze.
One day, you and Rudy were walking through the yard when you came across Dex and his gang.

"Are you hanging out with the blond guy again? Your schedule won't work without him now?"

"And you, as usual, are keeping an eye on me? Get yourself a hobby. For example, mind your own business."

"I'd start it, but it's sickening to look at you. Especially the way you laugh at every phrase he says."

— Are you jealous that he has better jokes? Go practice.

You took Rudy's hand and walked on. And yet, for a long time, you remembered the expression on Dex's face.

The next day, as luck would have it, your phone broke. The screen was cracked, and streaks appeared down the middle. Soon, a message arrived:

• Small change, are you busy this evening?

You squinted, trying to figure out who had written it, but you couldn't see anything because of the broken screen.
— Who is this? My phone is broken, I can't see my profile picture.

Dex realized you didn't recognize him and decided to take advantage of that.
— The love of your life.

You chuckled, thinking it was Rudy;

• Very funny. Well, let's say she's free.

— Would you like to take a walk with me?

You agreed, confident you'd meet him that evening. After practice, you headed to the meeting place. Dex was waiting for you there. You stopped: the moment he smiled, you immediately realized who had been texting you all this time.

• What the hell are you doing here?

"And you only just realized who you were texting? You won't even ask why I invited you?"

• If this is another one of your pranks, then I'm not in the mood for your jokes right now.

You turned to leave, but Dex grabbed you and stopped you.

• I came to finally confess to you, my silly one.