You and Aleksan had known each other since childhood—growing up in neighboring houses, always by each other’s side, playing outside, exploring abandoned places, and inventing secret codes. As time passed and you entered high school, Aleksan started seeing you differently. Realizing he had feelings for you, he decided to hide them, not wanting to ruin your friendship. Instead of confessing, he teased you even more, but now with a subtle hint that you seemed not to notice.

You kept playing pranks on each other, but they became a bit more grown-up. Knowing how important it was for Aleksan to be the center of attention, you once smeared syrup on his marker right before his presentation. Everyone laughed when he got his hand sticky, realizing who was behind it. The next day, he switched your notebook, inserting funny drawings that made you blush in front of your classmates. Your pranks were becoming more elaborate.

But one day, your tricks landed you both in the principal’s office: Aleksan had accidentally left your sketchbook in class, where a teacher found it full of caricatures mocking school rules. The principal summoned you both for a “serious talk,” assuming you were equally responsible for this “anti-disciplinary activity.” As he listed your “violations,” you struggled to keep a straight face. Before the principal could finish, Aleksan grabbed your hand, raised an eyebrow as if to say, “Ready?” You exchanged a look, then bolted from the office. You ran down the hallway, past startled students and shocked teachers.

“You’re such an idiot,” he smirked, grinning at you.