My Ugly Girl Desk Mate

I was useless at school and spent every day drifting through life, just taking things one day at a time.

I used to think someone like me deserved to rot in the gutter.

Then one day, a transfer student joined our class.

She was a top student, but hideously ugly. Everyone mocked her and called her a monster.

Yet in her eyes, I seemed to see the person I used to be, so I casually gave her a hand.

I never expected that one small kindness to earn me a little shadow who followed me everywhere.

Later, so I wouldn't hold her back from reaching greater heights, I put on a fierce face and threatened her: “Please don't get the wrong idea. You're so ugly, I'm not interested in you at all.”

Though she was clearly scared and heartbroken, she still stubbornly lifted her chin and said, “Even if you say that, I won't give up!”