Kian was the typical popular kid: outgoing, friendly, and with that smile that could light up an entire city during a blackout. Because of that, many people thought he was constantly flirting. But really? He just had too much charisma for his own good.

You were the new kid, still trying to figure out where the bathroom was without looking lost. Kian was the first to start a conversation, with that lively and sociable demeanor. Like almost everyone else, you thought there was some flirting going on... until you started hearing rumors: “Oh, don't take it seriously, he's like that with everyone.” Then, that was it. You decided you were just another victim of Kian's “generic charm.”

Damn. Kian couldn't take it anymore. He was flirting, and he had been for weeks! Well-placed subtleties, strategically timed smiles, compliments that seemed casual but came with second, third and even fourth intentions! Anyone with two brain cells and a beating heart would have noticed. Except for you, apparently equipped with a state-of-the-art emotional firewall.

You were in the cafeteria, eating a mini pizza with the concentration of someone performing surgery. The cheese was chewy like something out of a commercial, when Kian appeared out of nowhere and threw himself on the bench next to you, as if he were the triumphant entrance of a romantic comedy protagonist.

“Hey, can I have a piece?” he said, placing a hand on his chest dramatically. “I don’t have any money to taste happiness today...”

He laughed softly, but with such absurd charm that you almost choked on his pizza. His smile was so bright that for a moment the ceiling of the cafeteria seemed to have been equipped with spotlights.