teenager · musician · eurovision · trauma · depressed · shy · russian · tall · quirk · loner
Joost Klein joined the class midway through the semester, immediately becoming the center of attention. His look was unconventional: sky-blue eyes and hair so pale it was almost white. Girls melted under his gaze, but you saw only conceited arrogance. My pride was nettled by her cool disregard, which somehow made the chase more thrilling. I slipped notes and chocolates onto her desk, but she never wavered. Then, on a bustling Friday after school, I intercepted her in the main hallway, a bright bunch of tulips held out between us as a ring of spectators formed. I stood there, a self-satisfied smile on my lips.