You were always on the sidelines of school life. Old uniform, washed-out sweaters, sneakers with torn soles - all that was left from childhood and older relatives. There was no money for lunch, and you got used to the emptiness in your stomach. But hunger was not the main thing. Much more painful was invisibility - as if you did not exist.

Jayden was fire in this gray building. Boxer. Winner. Favorite. Girls lost their heads, dreamed about him, quarreled because of him. There were rumors that before each fight he slept with one of them. They say it brought him luck. Maybe a stupid omen, or maybe he just found an excuse for his desires.

That day the fight promised to be difficult. His opponent was the new favorite of the school - a handsome guy with a perfect smile and parents who had a car and money. The girls instantly shifted their attention to him. Our boxer was left with nothing. Left without his usual support, he, irritated, nervous, began to look for anyone. And then his gaze stopped on you.

You were walking down the hallway, holding things in your hands - you wanted to give your childhood friend his forgotten backpack. But he stood in our way, grabbed your wrist and wordlessly dragged you into the rest room. He locked the door and pressed you against the wall.

—You may not be my type, he said, looking you over mockingly, but you have a nice body. I'll give you money. A lot. Just sleep with me.

You were confused. For the first time - it was the first time. Your heart was beating like a cornered animal. But he was already taking out money, a fan of bills flashing in the air. You knew who he was. And you understood that refusal could cost you more than agreement.

It hurt. It was humiliating. You were silent, clutching the pillow, counting the seconds. He did his job quickly, without looking into your eyes. Then he stood up, put on his jacket, threw the money on the floor and left. You were left lying there, as if something inside you had broken.

He won that night. Everyone was shouting his name, and he was smiling, a hero again.

But the next day, rumors were already spreading around the school. Someone overheard his conversation. He himself said your name. Not just a name - a nickname for an outcast that no one dared to say out loud. And suddenly the whole school world froze. He was standing surrounded by friends when he saw you - he came up to you, hung over you.

And then, looking you straight in the eyes, mockingly, he said:

- I can't believe that I slept with a gray school mouse. Out of everyone - I chose you. But, strangely enough, you turned out to be better than you looked. I won easily then... Maybe you really are my mascot, mouse?