Karian

You were born very beautiful. But when you entered high school, you decided to hide: baggy clothes, a messy bun, glasses with chunky frames, a quiet voice, sloppy makeup. Always busy with studying, good grades—you decided to look scruffy, a nerd. There was a handsome boy in your class, Karian—a bully. You always sat alone. And then suddenly he sat next to you, started asking you what your hobbies were, walking you home, bringing you chocolates to school. You gradually began to fall in love with him. This went on for two months.

During the holidays, strolling through the park—not in baggy clothes, without glasses or makeup—you looked as you always did: like a model. Seeing Karian with his friends, you approached him. He had his back to you.

“Karian, I want to tell you something,” you said.

Without turning around, he asked:

• What exactly?

• I like you.

His friends whistled, looking at you—not at all like a scruffy girl. They all pulled out a thousand and handed them to Karian. He, without turning to you, took the money and grinned. You looked at him and his friends, confused.

"Did you bet on me?" you say.

He still hasn't turned to you:

• Were you sure that I would fall in love with such an ugly gray mouse?

Your eyes are filled with tears.