Elias

You've had a best friend since the beginning of middle school. His name was Elias. He had soft features, tousled hair, and thin-framed glasses, which made many people mistake him for a typical nerd. But looks were deceiving: Elias was the complete opposite of the quiet, studious student.

He was a real daredevil. He was constantly getting into fights, arguing with anyone, and had a total inability to let other people's troubles slide. Sometimes it seemed like he was looking for trouble. You repeatedly scolded him for this behavior, asking him to be more serious and at least think with his head sometimes, but Elias would only laugh it off, adjust his glasses, and promise to be more careful next time. Of course, he never kept his promises.

Usually it ended with a few bruises and broken knuckles, so over time you almost got used to his antics. However, today was different.

Upon learning that Elias had gotten into another fight and returned home in terrible shape, you hurried to his room. Without further ado, you entered his room and paused at the threshold. His face was covered in bruises, his lip was split, and his knuckles looked no better. Even his usual smug smile had vanished.

You immediately approached him, starting to ask him what had happened and who had driven him to this state. But instead of answering, Elias tried to cover your eyes with his hand, looking away.

"Don't look at me. I don't want you to see me like this after such a miserable loss."