The cafeteria buzzed with chatter and laughter as students filed in for their mid-morning break. Daniel sat at the edge of a long table, carefully picking at his food. Around him, the world felt distant, muted, as though he were an observer rather than a participant.
But today, something was different.
His eyes—blurred as they were by his condition—lingered on a blond-haired girl standing near the vending machine, chatting animatedly with her friends. Her golden hair caught the light, and her laughter rang out like a melody.
Angela Eugene. It felt like he had been crushing on her for an eternity.
For as long as he could remember, Angela had been a beacon of warmth in an otherwise cold and indifferent world. She didn't just tolerate him; she noticed him. Cared enough to ask if he was okay.
It wasn't much, but to Daniel, it meant everything.
Daniel's chest tightened.
He clenched his fists, willing the courage to rise within him. He was tired of being invisible.
"Today," he whispered to himself. "Today, I'll tell her."
And the perfect moment came just before the lunch bell.
Angela was walking alone toward the central courtyard, her bag slung over one shoulder. Daniel took a glance around, his heart pounding as he quickened his pace, falling in step beside her.
"Angela," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
She turned, smiling warmly. "Oh, hey, Daniel. What's up?"
"I… I need to tell you something," he said, his hands trembling.
Her smile faltered slightly, replaced by a look of curiosity. "Um... Sure... What is it?"
Daniel hesitated, his throat dry. He felt as though every pair of eyes in the courtyard were suddenly on him, even though no one seemed to notice.
"I… I like you," he blurted out, the words tumbling over each other in a rush. "I've liked you for a while now."
Angela stiffened, her eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, there was silence. Daniel's heart sank as he saw her expression shift into something softer, something between confusion and pity.
"Daniel… I don't know what to say..." she began gently. "That's… um... really sweet of you, but—"
But. The word hit him like a punch to the gut.
"I don't... think we'd be a good match," she continued, her voice careful, as though she didn't want to hurt him. "You're a great guy, really, but I just don't feel that way."
He nodded quickly, forcing a strained smile. "I understand. Sorry for bothering you."
"Daniel, wait—"
But he was already walking away, his face burning with humiliation.
~~~
Daniel found a secluded spot between the back of the cafeteria and the football field, leaning against a tree as he tried to steady his breathing. The rejection replayed in his mind, each word cutting deeper than the last.
"Of course she'd reject me..." He muttered, nibbling on his trembling lips, "What the hell was I even thinking?"
"Look who it is," a mocking voice drawled.
Daniel looked up to see a six-foot-tall, sliver-white-haired twelfth grader and his gang approaching, their expressions predatory.
Leonardo Eugene was said to be like his sister: good-looking to the point that it could be called unfair.
He had a perfect athletic build, silver-colored hair, and blue eyes, spoke with an accent, and carried himself with pride befitting his looks, making him the most desired boy among the girls in school.
Yet, he was a human Daniel wished he had never known or had any form of interaction with.
"Didn't think you'd have the guts to confess to my sister," Leonardo said, his voice dripping with disdain. "But I guess even femboys can dream."
He knows? Daniel thought as he stood frozen, his body trembling.
"Hey, Jason, do you think she laughed at you after you walked away?" one of the boys sneered. "Bet she did and still is."
The laughter that followed was cruel, echoing in Daniel's ears like a chorus of torment.
"I mean really, you've gotta be god's biggest clo—"
"Leave me alone," Daniel muttered, his voice barely audible.
"What was that?" Leonardo taunted, stepping closer. "Speak up, femboy."
"Leave me alone," Daniel said again, louder this time.
Leonardo grabbed him by the collar, shoving him against the tree. "Or what? You'll cry and ruin your make-up? Maybe you should go crawling back to my sister and beg her to—"
"Shut up!" Daniel shouted, pushing against Leonardo's grip.
The sudden outburst caught them off guard, but it was fleeting. Leonardo's smirk returned as he pushed Daniel harder against the tree.
"Aw, did I hit a nerve? Look guys, she's gonna cry~" Leonardo drawled.
Before Daniel could respond, a sharp punch landed in his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. He doubled over, gasping for air as the group laughed.
"Easy now Leo, you're gonna kill her babies," one of the boys snickered as Leonardo readied himself to strike Daniel again.
"Hey."
An impassive voice cut through the commotion. The group's laughter died down as they turned, "Shit... It's the Maniac." One of them muttered.
Daniel looked up to see his younger brother standing at a fair distance from the group, his expression calm but his eyes cold.
"Back away from my brother," Maxuel said icily, beginning to stride toward the group.
"Look at this," Leonardo said, laughing. "The Prince is here to save his sister."
"Five seconds," Maxuel said, his voice deathly quiet.
Leonardo's smirk faltered, but he didn't move. "This is between me and him—"
"Four seconds."
Leonardo hesitated, glancing at his group. But Maxuel kept walking, his steps measured and deliberate.
The tension was palpable. Leonardo's confidence waned as Maxuel closed the gap. Eventually, he scoffed and motioned for his group to leave.
"Whatever. Let's go."
As they walked away, Maxuel knelt beside Daniel, who was still slumped against the tree.
"You okay?" Maxuel asked, his tone unusually serious.
Daniel nodded weakly, his face burning with a mix of shame and gratitude.
"Thanks," he muttered.
"Don't mention it," Maxuel said, helping him to his feet. "I heard about Angela... Someone who saw it has been blowing it all over school."
Daniel didn't respond.
~~~
The walk home was quiet, the weight of the day pressing heavily on Daniel's shoulders. Maxuel walked beside him, occasionally glancing over but saying nothing. His best friend, Ethan trailed behind them, his usual chatter replaced by uncharacteristic silence.
When they reached the turn into the Jason's street, Ethan clapped Daniel on the back. "Hang in there, man. See you tomorrow."
Daniel watched him go before turning into the street. Maxuel was already a few paces in, his expression concerned as he studied Daniel's face.
"You know—" Maxuel began.
"It's fine." Daniel interrupted, brushing past him.
"Danny—"
"I'm fine!"
Maxuel frowned but didn't press further.
When they arrived home, Daniel headed straight to his room, closing the door behind him. He collapsed onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling as tears welled in his eyes.
"Why me?" Daniel whispered to himself. "Why am I like this? I'm weak and useless. Blind...!"
The nightmares, the rejection, the bullying—it all swirled together into a crushing weight.
Gritting his teeth, Daniel rolled on his side and drew his knees close.
"I hate this..."
As sleep began to claim him, he continuously mumbled:
"I hate this life... I hate my life..."
Sleep claimed him, but peace did not follow.