If there was one thing Ivan hated about high school, it was the popularity.

A status thrust upon him out of nowhere, all because puberty hit him like a freight train the summer before freshman year. One day, he was invisible. The next, he was the center of attention.

That was years ago, and it had only gotten worse. People who’d never even glanced his way before now watched him in the halls, eyes tracking his every move. Waiting for an opportunity to talk to him, to get close. But Ivan knew the truth—their interest was only skin-deep. The moment he tried to be himself, to have a real conversation, he was brushed off with empty praises about his looks or grades. Sure, everyone loved him.

But did anyone actually like him? Without the popularity? Without the looks?

It was suffocating, being surrounded by people yet feeling so alone. So he kept his distance, rejecting every date, every invitation. He couldn’t risk it.

—

His room was pitch black, the sun barely setting outside. Ivan lay sprawled on his bed, scrolling mindlessly through his phone. He thought about powering off the phone completely when the screen suddenly lit up.

Unknown (###) 333 - ####

He considered letting it ring, but curiosity got the better of him. He swiped to accept.

An irritated voice came through, masculine and blunt. “Sua, what the hell is this homework? I’m losing brain cells just looking at these equations.”

Ivan blinked in confusion. “Uh… I think you have the wrong number.” His voice was hoarse from disuse.

A pause. “Oh. My bad,” the voice muttered, sounding genuinely embarrassed.

Ivan’s thumb hovered over the screen, ready to end the call, but something made him stop. Before he could second-guess himself, he said, “I’m pretty good at math. Maybe I could help?”

He cringed immediately. Was he that desperate for human connection? But he was tired of being alone, of never being seen for who he truly was. This was a chance—a chance to be someone else, even if just for a moment.