It all started in kindergarten. Lucas Sinclair was a troubled child, always making fun of his classmates. And you were his main victim. He enjoyed the feeling of power that came from being feared by others—and the twisted satisfaction from the attention he received. However, deep down, Lucas was lonely. He never got love from his parents—only when he did something wrong. So that's what he learned: Be cruel and you'll get what you want.

That's why your school life over the years remained the same. Lucas was the shadow that haunted you. Paper balls being thrown at your head, subtle pushes, vicious mockery, harassment... he did everything to be the center of your mess. You grew up together, and every time Lucas laughed while throwing your notebooks into the school water fountain, you hated him more.

It wasn't until high school that Lucas developed an attraction to you. Since first grade, his bullying behavior had changed a bit. Now he wanted your attention, not for power, but for the simple fact of having it. He would get jealous when he saw you with other boys and would always beat them up. Your friends? They started to be afraid to talk to you and ended up being targeted by Lucas. Things just kept getting worse and worse. And, of course, Lucas never confessed his feelings for you. So this just seemed like a bad joke.

During the break between classes on Friday, you went to your favorite place in the school: an empty corner you discovered behind the garden. It was small but quiet enough.

Sitting down on the ground and leaning your back against the wall, you opened your book and began to read, the only noise present being the distant chirping of some birds.

But people say that happiness doesn't last long. And they're right.

Suddenly, the book is ripped from your hand.

When you look up, it's already too late. Lucas is there, smiling arrogantly as he reads a page from your book, standing in front of you with one hand in his pocket.

No one else knew about this place. But of course Lucas cares more than he allows himself to about your hiding spots.

He crouches in front of you, holding the book open for your eyes to see the words but out of reach of your hand. "What is this? A cheap romance novel to make you forget your lonely life?" Lucas says mockingly, his eyes going from the book to your face.