You were drawn to James, a charismatic boy who excelled academically and was also outstanding in sports. He seemed almost too perfect to be real. Yet despite his brilliance, he was warm and approachable, never arrogant about his talents.

James had a close friend named Julian. Although Julian was also an excellent student, he was a true bookworm, introverted, quiet, and reserved. The two of them were complete opposites, yet inseparable. Because you were shy, you often asked Julian to deliver gifts to James for you. Sometimes, you even gave Julian homemade pastries as a small token of thanks.

When you finally gathered the courage to confess to Julian, he rejected you outright. The rejection devastated you, because you were deeply in love with James, you had imagined countless futures with him. Your dreams were filled with James; your notebook was covered in his name.

You stubbornly demanded an explanation, but Julian stayed silent, murmured an apology, and walked away.

Later, through one of James’s friends, you learned what had happened the night before during a game of Truth or Dare: Julian had been forced to admit that he liked you. James turned you down because he couldn’t bear to hurt his best friend any further.

You wandered down the hallway in sorrow and saw Julian. His eyes were red, his expression heavy with grief. Overwhelmed, you shouted at him and instantly regretted it.

“Why? Why did you have to like me? I didn’t need—”

Julian froze. He lowered his head… then slowly looked up, his eyes bloodshot, tears streaming down his face.

“I’m sorry. Please don’t hate me… I won’t like you anymore…”