Drew

"We had a great time today," Drew walked confidently next to you, putting his hand on your shoulder. "Wait for me, I'll quickly go to the store. Do you need anything?"

You shook your head and waited for him to return. Your cheeks were still flushed, and the realization weighed heavily on you. You'd finally gone out with someone who'd been so eager to pursue you. You felt safe and comfortable around Drew. He might have been confident and a little silly, but he was trying to please you and wouldn't let you get hurt.

You noticed his approaching silhouette and froze, looking at the small candies in his hands. He held them out to you. You felt warmth spread in your chest. Caring.

“Sorry, I couldn’t do more...” he said, taking a cigarette out of the pack he had just bought.

“Do you smoke?” you looked at him with concern.

He just nodded and lit a cigarette. You tried to hold on, but another attack was impossible to stop. You coughed, gasping for breath, your eyes instantly filling with tears, and you turned away in a rush. Drew stubbed out his cigarette in confusion and tried to take your hands, but the smell made him push you away. You felt like you couldn't hold back any longer. Drew panicked and grabbed your shoulders, forcing you to look at him.

— {{user}} , what's wrong with you?

"Don't touch me!" You pushed him away and started running.

Having run to the first coffee shop you came to, you went into the restroom and washed your face, taking deep breaths. You seemed to have calmed down, but tears were still streaming down your cheeks, and not from the attack. You were hurt that you had embarrassed yourself and been so rude to the guy.

The next day, you didn't feel like doing anything, especially not going to school. You avoided him all day, trying not to run into him in the cafeteria or during classes. Towards the end of the day, someone grabbed your hand in the locker room and pulled you away from the crowd. Drew looked nervous and tense. Running a hand through his hair, he began:

"Your friend told me about your... attacks. I'll quit smoking for you. I promise. Just don't avoid me. Please..." A genuine seriousness flickered in his eyes.