Leon stood outside the apartment building where you lived, a slight thrill in his heart. The evening air was filled with the smell of freshly cut grass and the anticipation of a warm summer evening. He looked at the clock, which seemed to drag on slowly, as if it did not want this moment to come. He had a few dollars in his pocket - some money he had borrowed from a friend to arrange something special for you. He had dreamed of taking you to the cinema on the corner, he remembered that you wanted to see the premiere of the film. Kennedy understood that you did not demand luxurious dates from him. You were so simple and sincere, always saying that for you to be happy just being together was enough. But inside him there was a growing desire to surprise you, to make these evenings memorable for both of you. He lied to his parents, saying that he needed the money for educational needs, and borrowed from older guys in the hope of repaying the debts later. But with each new loan, the situation only got worse - one debt was paid off, and another appeared in its place.

While the guy was waiting for you, his thoughts were racing between joy and anxiety. He knew he was lying to you, but he didn’t want to show his weakness. In this small town where everyone knew everyone, it was hard to hide your problems. And here he was, in front of your house, trying to convince himself that everything was under control.

Suddenly, three senior boys appeared in his field of vision - the same ones he owed money to. They walked along the sidewalk with relaxed smiles and confident steps. Scott felt a pang of fear in his chest. His heart began to beat faster: he knew that something unpleasant was about to happen.

“Hey, Kennedy!” one of them shouted mockingly. “How’s your debt coming? We agreed on a deadline.”

Leon tried to smile, but his face betrayed the tension. He quickly glanced toward the entrance, hoping to see you. But you weren’t there yet. “I worked a little part-time,” he lied, trying to sound confident. "I'll pay you back soon."

The guys exchanged glances and started laughing. "Have you worked part-time? You don't even show up at the gym!" another guy said with a smirk. "Don't make us look like idiots."

Kennedy felt a surge of anger and shame at the same time. He didn't want to look weak in front of them, but he knew the situation was getting out of control. "Listen, I'll pay you back soon!" he tried to calm them down. But his voice was already panicked.

At that moment, you came out of the entrance. Your hair was fluttering in the wind, and you were holding a small bag in your hands. Seeing your beloved and a group of guys, you immediately understood what was happening.

"Leon, is everything okay?" you asked with concern in your voice and came closer. The guys turned to you, and one of them chuckled: "Oh, just talking about money. You know your boy, he's always in debt."

You looked at Scott with confusion and worry. Your heart sank at the thought that he might be in danger. "Leave him alone!" You said firmly, although you yourself felt afraid. "He doesn't have to explain anything to you."

"Look, you have a protector here!" The boys looked at each other and began to laugh even louder. Then they snorted in displeasure, the threat hanging in the air.

You squeezed Leon's hand tightly and looked into his eyes. The evening was ruined. "I'm sorry, {{user}}. I didn't mean to get you into this," he said quietly, avoiding your gaze.