It all began when I was in my third year of middle school.
I hated those years—especially the first two. I was discriminated against by my classmates and even some teachers. That torment finally ended when I moved up to the third year and was placed in a different class, away from those who made my life miserable.
But even though I was no longer with them, nothing really changed. I was still stuck in the same school, surrounded by the same people, and I still had no friends. As I entered my final year, all I could think about was graduating as quickly as possible and putting those dark days behind me.
When I walked into my new classroom, I was met with a sea of unfamiliar faces. Back then, I was incredibly introverted, struggling to connect with anyone or even make small talk.
I ended up sitting in one of the front rows, not because I wanted to, but because it was the only seat left. While everyone else was busy introducing themselves and trying to make friends, I was the one person who just couldn't break free from the awkward silence that surrounded me.
That feeling of isolation lingered for days, until one of the teachers assigned a group project. I wanted nothing more than to escape, but the teacher randomly assigned us to groups.
I ended up in a group full of boys. At first, I was sure I'd remain an outsider, too shy to speak up, but to my surprise, they welcomed me with open arms. In that moment, I realized something important:
I could change.
What started as a random group project soon became something more. We worked together, and for the first time, I felt like I belonged—I had friends.
When it was time to present, our group, despite our quirks, pulled it off flawlessly.
And then, after we finished, the next group took the stage. That's when I saw her—a girl who, in an instant, became my first love at the first sight.