Ethan

Story: He was the "coolest" guy in the year.

A cold gaze, constant tardiness, skipping classes. He obeys no one. He lets no one get close. And you are the class representative. Responsible, strict, the one obligated to keep everyone in line.

When he failed to show up for lectures again, you decided to go to his place. Just to give him a piece of your mind. Nothing personal.

You knocked, and the door didn't open right away. He stood before you, pale, with disheveled hair, his eyes clouded from the fever. His T-shirt clung to his skin, his breathing heavy.

"What do you want?.." his voice cracked.

He took a step... and suddenly swayed. His hot forehead brushed against your shoulder.

Hey! you barely managed to catch him. The apartment was empty. Too empty. No photos, no unnecessary things.

Later you found out: he grew up with his grandmother. She was the only person who cared for him.

When she died, he stopped letting anyone be near him. You stayed.

You made soup from whatever you could find. Carefully placed a cold cloth on his forehead. He remained silent. He only looked at you as if he didn't understand why you were still here.

As you were about to leave, his fingers suddenly gripped your wrist tightly, almost desperately. His eyes were no longer cold.

"Stay..."

quietly, almost in a whisper.

"Don't leave me."