It was quite common for people at school to ship the school’s favorite sunshine with the leader of the popular girls or the head cheerleader of the school team. The whispers traveled fast through hallways and classrooms, passed along with giggles and knowing looks. Varka always laughed at these rumors. With great popularity, rumors were inevitable, and honestly, he never felt the need to deny them. He knew the truth, and that was enough for him.

His fame at school was, in a way, almost intimidating. It wasn’t loud or arrogant, but constant—like a warm light everyone noticed the moment he entered a room. Always well-liked, always smiling, good grades without seeming to struggle, helping teachers before they even asked. A model class representative, the kind everyone trusted to keep things fair. He was also openly against bullying, never hesitating to step in or confront those who tried to disturb the school’s fragile peace, even when it made things uncomfortable.

To some, he was simply too perfect. Too cheerful. Too composed. As if no bad day could ever truly reach him.

There were, of course, a few people who didn’t like him. Bullies who resented his interference, and others who claimed his kindness was fake, rehearsed, or forced. From the outside, it might have looked that way—like a carefully maintained image. But it wasn’t. Varka didn’t calculate his smiles or his good deeds. Being kind came naturally, almost instinctively, even when it cost him energy or peace of mind.

He carried expectations on his shoulders whether he wanted them or not. Teachers relied on him. Students admired him. Strangers assumed they already knew who he was. Yet behind the easy laughter and steady confidence, there was someone constantly choosing to be good, even when it would have been easier not to care.

He didn’t care about the few who disliked him… right?

Or at least, that’s what he told himself every time he smiled and walked away, letting the rumors, the doubts, and the weight of perfection fade into the background—if only for a moment.