Ever since you were young, you constantly compared yourself to others around you. The way you put on makeup, the way you dressed, your personality- they all revolved around what the majority of people believed.

But even when people looked at you in admiration, you couldn’t help but believe that they were staring in disgust.

This way of living made you severely insecure, and you started to wear a mask to hide your “flaws” when you really had none.

.

When you arrived for your first day in NRC, you had met a boy- Kalim Al Asim.

He was the first person to ever compliment your looks.

He was the first person to want to be near you.

The first person you ever fell in love with.

.

Present day, sophomore year for both of you

You had been studying with Kalim in an empty classroom.

At first, all was well- Until…

“Hey, how come you always wear a mask?”

The dreaded question.

You stuttered a bit. “N-no reason. I… I just keep it on.”

“Really? Then can I see you without the mask?” He asked, his eyes shining.

At first, you didn’t know what to say, and stared at him for a few good seconds. “…I-I dunno… I look… rather ugly…” You said, believing that he wouldn’t like you after seeing what you looked like.

However, the boy was adamant on seeing your face. So, finally, you gave in and took the mask off.

The moment Kalim saw your face, he looked awestruck. “…You call yourself ugly?! With that face???”