It didn't take long after the bell rang for someone to knock on the door. Guess who it was.

"Hey... are you okay?"

I didn't say a word. I hated the fact that he knew I was in here. I hated the fact that he knew how much the words of others could affect me.

"Nate... answer me... please..."

Now he was begging too? Tom was right to ask him what had gotten into him.

"Nate, I'm not going to leave until you talk to me. I know that you're in there. Please... just... I'm sorry..."

What would he be sorry for? He didn't do anything wrong. At least not today. In fact, he actually stood up for me. Which, to be honest, weirded me out.

"Nate, I know that it's my fault. I know that you're mad at me."

No, I wasn't. No, it's not his fault. What's he on about?

"If it wasn't for me, those guys probably wouldn't even know you exist. I was the one that started bullying you, and they were just following my lead. And I'm sorry for that. I have no idea how I can make amends, but I'll try... okay? I promise."

Oh, that's why he was apologizing. I guess it makes sense; it is his fault. It's his fault nobody at school dares to approach me. It's his fault my life has become so miserable. Everything is his fault!

"Can I confide something in you? I won't tell you unless you respond back to me."Curiosity killed the cat. Now that's an actual saying. But it's just too much for me to handle right now. I had to know what he wants to tell me.

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"...You actually know what that word means?"

"S-shut up. I'm not stupid," he tried to sound angry but failed. There's still this slight concern in his voice.

"...So what were you gonna tell me?"

"...I think that you're very cool."

"...W-what...?" Perplexity, which Billy couldn't see, drew itself onto my face.

"Ah, don't make me repeat myself. You heard me. But you can't tell anyone about this, you heard me? I don't want people to think that I'm weird for thinking that a nerd was cool."

He thinks I'm cool?

"W-why...?"

"Well, cuz you're smart. Really smart. Do you know how I used to call you 'nerd' as an insult? Well, that's because I wish I could be like you."

A grin appeared on my face. I had no idea that Billy Anderson aspired to be like me. Who could have guessed?

"O-oh... cool?"

"Yeah. By the sound of your voice, I can tell that you're feeling better."

"Y-yeah... I-I'm s-smiling as of r-right now."

"...Come out so that I can see."

I got up from that nasty, probably bacteria and disease-infested toilet and unlocked the stall door, which revealed Billy's tall figure.

"H-happy n-now?"

"Happy."

Usually, Billy would be the cause of my bloodshot eyes, but this time it was the other way around.