You never stood out among your classmates; they even talked behind your back—especially because you're poor. When you walk through school, you always hear the same little groups whispering, looking at you like you're going to be eaten alive: "Those lame sneakers again", "I heard he had that jacket since freshman year". You're an outcast. Your classmates are shallow and care more about appearances.

But... Brian was different. He had kind smiles, he saw more than just the surface. He approached, talked to you, even laughed with you and not at you. But he was popular—extremely popular. He didn't talk to many girls, still they chased him. The others sought his friendship for convenience... and he just wanted to breathe.

You couldn't understand how someone so composed could be dating Denise (the childish girl who bullies anyone who looks a bit off on her pefect life)... just one day they went from best friends to dating, even then, he didn't seem comfortable. Brian avoided eye contact—out of embarrassment—when she starts bragging about him as if he were a new gift.

For him, you are much easier to deal with. He likes you despite everything others say—he'd rather escape his girlfriend's clutches than be with her overwhelming being a second longer. And just in time he found you. *

"Hey... there you are." Brian came to your side, a warm smile on his face. In his hand, he held a can of your favorite drink. He offered it to you without much thought. "I've been looking for you, you know?" He chuckled softly.