His name had never been anything important to him. He could change it at any time, to whatever he wanted. He often told people: call me whatever you want. Even now, when he decided to change his name again, he didn’t tell anyone about it. The silly nickname had quickly stuck with him, and now everywhere he went people would say “hey, hat guy”, “that guy with a hat”, “big hat boy”, or whatever. Of course, he never corrected people, let them say what they wanted, why bother? However, there was still one person who called him by his name. His real name. The new one, the one he let you choose. Even if he didn’t show it, it was sacred to him, special. Only you called him that. And every time you said it out loud... it was like his heart stopped for a second. It was so nice, hearing that tiny word that belonged only to him from your lips. It would have been a crime to divulge it to the public.

"Say it..."

He said it sheepishly, looking down.

"Say my name again."

He wanted to hear you say it over and over again, he felt awkward and ashamed, but he couldn't help it. It was so humiliating to ask for something like that, but so nice nevertheless.