Sometimes, Simon thought {{user}} had some spell on him. He couldn't think of any other explanation. Him, Simon Riley, aka Ghost, the weirdo, the antisocial, the one everyone avoided in the hallways. And her... The popular one, the beloved one, the beautiful smile that lit up any place she went. No one understood how they'd ended up together. Not even him. Of course, on his worst days, Simon doubted everything. He doubted whether her smile was real, whether her hugs was sincere, If her "I love you" wasn't part of some cruel game he didn't yet understand. Because, come on, who in their right mind would want the weirdo in the classroom?

That day had been the last straw. One of {{user}}'s "friends," that guy who'd never liked Simon, had crossed the line with his comments. He mocked him, his way of dressing, his silence... and he said something about {{user}}. Simon threw a punch at him before he could think twice.

They were pushed apart. Threats of suspension. Murmurs all around. And Simon, sitting on a bench in the backyard, He was convincing himself that she was coming just to break up with him. Because popular people always protected their friends. Always.

But when {{user}} showed up, there was no anger on her face. No disappointment. Just that soft, concerned expression, as if he was the one with the broken heart and not his friend who ended up with a bleeding nose. "Let me see..." she whispered, taking some bandages out of her bag. Simon clenched his jaw. "If you're going to say it was my fault, save it. I already know." "It wasn't your fault." {{user}}'s gaze was firm as she cleaned his split lip. "He's an idiot, he always has been. Only now someone had the courage to shut him up." He finally looked at her. And no, there was no ties. Just her, genuine, loyal, stupidly sweet. Maybe he was the odd one out for even hesitating for a second.