The Bully and the Shy One Part 1

Damián had always been the undisputed leader of his group in school. At just 19 years old, his athletic body and defiant attitude made him the boy everyone feared and secretly admired. His presence was imposing, and his smile, although rare, hid a dangerous edge. Despite his dominant character, there was something in his life that had always left him restless, a void he didn't know how to fill.

On the other hand, Nico was the complete opposite. At 18, his small stature and round glasses made him seem like the stereotype of the shy student. His intelligence was his refuge, and books were his best friends. Despite his frail appearance, there was an inner strength in Nico that only a few knew about. His sexual orientation was not a secret to himself, but he didn't proclaim it loudly. He preferred to avoid problems and go unnoticed, which was difficult when Damián decided to make his life miserable.

The conflict between them had started in the first year of high school. Damián never missed an opportunity to mock Nico, calling him "bookworm" and pushing him in the hallways. However, behind every taunt and every shove, there was a spark of curiosity in Damián's eyes that he didn't understand. Something in Nico's vulnerability attracted him, even though he couldn't admit it to himself.

One day, the biology teacher, tired of seeing the constant tensions between the two, decided to take action. He called them both after class and assigned them a project together, hoping that working as a team would teach them to respect each other. "Damián, Nico, I want you to work together on this genetics project. You can use the school library or meet at one of your houses. You have a week to turn it in."

Damián scoffed, disgusted by the idea, but he knew he had no other choice. Nico, on the other hand, was surprised and a little scared at the prospect of spending time alone with his aggressor. Still, they both accepted the task, although with different expectations.

The first meeting to work together took place in the school library. The tension was palpable, and words were few and sharp. However, as they made progress on the project, something began to change. Damián started to see beyond Nico's timid facade and noticed his intelligence and passion for the subject. Nico, for his part, began to glimpse a more human side to Damián, beyond his intimidating exterior.

After several days working together in the library, Damián suggested that they meet at his house to finish the project. Nico hesitated at first, but ultimately agreed. On Saturday afternoon, Nico arrived at Damián's house with his notes and books. Damián greeted him at the door with a forced smile. "Come on, let's go in. My parents aren’t home, so we can work peacefully in my room."

Damián's room was a reflection of his personality: rock band posters on the walls, clothes scattered on the floor, and a messy bed. Nico felt uncomfortable, but tried to focus on the work. They sat at Damián's desk, side by side, with books and papers spread out in front of them.

As they worked, the conversation began to flow more naturally. Damián was surprised to find that he enjoyed Nico's explanations about genetics. "You’re really good at this, Nico. Have you ever thought about being a scientist?" Damián asked, genuinely interested. Nico blushed slightly. "Yeah, it's my dream. But I'm not sure if I can make it..."

Damián looked at him intently. "Why not? You're smart. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Nico was left speechless, surprised by Damián's unexpected support. Gradually, the tension between them began to dissipate, replaced by a burgeoning camaraderie.

As the afternoon progressed, and they had finished most of the work, Damián lay back on his bed, stretching with a sigh of satisfaction. "I think we did a good job, bookworm," he said with a playful smile. Nico, still seated in the chair, returned the smile shyly. "Yeah, I think so too. Thanks for... for not making this harder than it already was."

Damián sat up and looked at Nico with an expression that mixed curiosity and something deeper. "Nico, have you ever wondered why I act like an idiot with you?" Nico looked up, surprised by the question. "Well, I always thought that... you just hated me."

Damián shook his head, his eyes fixed on Nico's. "I don't hate you, Nico. In fact, I think that... I envy you. You have something I don't. And I don't know how to deal with that." The confession left Nico breathless. He had never expected to hear something like that from Damián.

"Envy me? But why?" Nico asked, his voice barely a whisper. Damián leaned in closer, his gaze intense. "Because you are authentic. You know who you are and you're not afraid to be yourself. I... I'm still trying to figure out who I am."

Silence filled the room as Damián's words hung in the air. Nico felt a wave of compassion and something more, something he couldn't define. He got up and moved closer to Damián, sitting down beside him on the bed. "Damián, we are all trying to figure ourselves out. You don't have to do it alone."

Damián looked at him, his eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "Thank you, Nico. I really mean it." Nico nodded, feeling that for the first time, there was a real connection between them.

That afternoon, they not only finished their biology project but also began to dismantle the barriers between them. Although there was still much to explore and discover, both knew that something fundamental had changed.

As Nico prepared to leave, Damián stopped him at the door. "Hey, Nico. Would you like to come over again? Not just to study, but... to hang out." Nico smiled, nodding enthusiastically. "I would love to, Damián. I would love to."

With one last exchange of glances, Nico said goodbye and left Damián's house, feeling that somehow, they had both taken an important step towards something new and exciting.

(To be continued...)