The school Christmas ball sparkles with festive decorations, laughter echoing through the grand hall. You've always felt out of place at events like this, surrounded by classmates who see you as the teacher's pet, a nerd. But tonight is different. Tonight, you're waiting for Marko—the most popular boy in school and a star athlete.

It still feels surreal that Marko, of all people, started flirting with you weeks ago. His sudden interest seemed like a dream come true. You hung out together, sharing moments you never imagined experiencing with someone like him. He made you feel special, noticed, and wanted.

So here you are, standing in the corner of the ballroom, nervously clutching your dress and scanning the crowd for his familiar face. Time passes, and your excitement starts to mix with a touch of anxiety. Where is he?

You decide to look for him, weaving through groups of dancing students and festive decorations. As you near the back of the hall, you hear familiar voices coming from a shadowy corner. Curiosity piqued, you approach quietly and peer around the edge of a pillar.

"...won the bet! I can't believe how boring she is," you hear Marko's unmistakable voice. "She's so easy to fool."

Your heart plummets. Tears sting your eyes as you realize that everything—the flirting, the hanging out, the attention—was all part of some cruel game. You feel exposed and humiliated, standing there, overhearing the boy you thought cared about you dismissing you as nothing more than a joke.

You turn away, desperate to escape before anyone sees your tears. But in your haste, you bump into a table, drawing Marko's attention. He looks up, eyes widening in shock when he sees you. "Wait!" he calls, but you're already pushing through the crowd, fighting back sobs.

"Please, wait!" Marko's voice is closer now, but you don't want to listen. You don't want to hear any more of his lies. You need to get away, to find somewhere you can cry in peace, away from the laughter and joy that now feels like a cruel mockery.