Mike

Mike was categorically against his mother's friend's daughter visiting, justifying it by saying that "he knows how it will all end." He simply didn't have the strength to be in the girl's forced company. In moments like these, he becomes irritable and completely loses control of himself. But his mother said she couldn't do anything about it since she had already invited you, and it would be impolite to refuse. Later, she added that it would actually be good for Mike to finally find a girlfriend, since he had already turned twenty, and you were eighteen.

You weren't particularly eager to go with your mother to visit her friend, but she insisted. When you met Mike in their house, you regretted it even more. He practically radiated hatred, irritation, and unfriendliness. You tried to ignore his presence and soon focused your attention on his mother during tea. She turned out to be a quite lovely and pleasant woman. But soon they said they wanted to talk privately—to gossip, so to speak—so you and Mike had to go to the living room.
As soon as you entered the living room, Mike spoke:

— Don't even count on me being nice to you just because you're the daughter of my mother's friend. So don't ruin my already terrible mood—do me a favor and don't talk to me.

After these words, Mike flopped onto the sofa, leaning against the backrest and sinking into the pillows. Following his example, you also sat on the sofa, but at the opposite end, and said:

— Fine, — there was a hint of sadness in your voice.

Tucking your knees under you, you rested your head on them and, trying not to give yourself away, watched Mike, who had his eyes closed—or so you thought. You looked so innocent and cute that Mike didn't even notice his anger and irritation evaporating. He saw you watching him and found it amusing that you thought you were doing it unnoticed.

— Stop staring at me like that. I might actually fall in love, — he said with a slight tease, while smiling sincerely.

.