Daggers of Love

The first humiliation

Peter’s perspective

The following day, Alex and I prepared for our classes, getting ready to leave for school. As we stepped out of our shared room, I couldn't help but notice how impeccably dressed Alex always was, in stark contrast to my own attire.

He scrutinized my clothing, and I detected a subtle, unusual reaction that he quickly tried to conceal when he noticed my gaze fixated on him. Puzzled, I decided to inquire, "What's wrong?"

Alex hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke, "Look, don't take this the wrong way, but if you're going to be seen with me, you'll have to start dressing to impress, and not like this." He gestured disapprovingly at my attire.

"But there's nothing wrong with my outfit. People in my hometown admire this clothing; it's one of my best pieces. These clothes are highly sought after there," I protested.

"You must be kidding, right? Because this looks more like a rag, no offense," he commented, somewhat exasperated. "You're no longer in your previous world; this place is different."

I responded with some frustration, "What do you want me to do? I've already shared my background with you, and this is the best I can afford. I won't stress myself just to impress anyone."

"Listen, I'm not asking you to overdo it. I told you I want to introduce you to my friends, and you certainly wouldn't want to be the one who stands out for the wrong reasons."

Alex continued, "Remember, you're interested in a particular girl. Trust me, you don't want her to see you dressed like this. If you aim to make a favorable impression on her, it's essential to look well-groomed and polished."

"So, what should I do then?" I inquired, genuinely unsure of the best course of action.

"Don't worry about it; I have some spare clothes that I think would suit you well. Just put them on, and you'll see the difference," he offered, which took me by surprise.

"Seriously? You mean it?" I asked, still shocked by his willingness to help.

"Of course. Come with me," he replied, leading me into his room.

Inside his room, I watched as Alex methodically combed through his meticulously organized wardrobe filled with designer suits and luxury clothing. He selected a few stylish, well-fitted outfits that exuded sophistication.

I was taken aback by his generosity, and I commented, "You're serious about this."

"Absolutely," he affirmed. "Now, go get dressed."

After changing into the provided attire, I stood before the mirror, unable to recognize myself in the polished outfit. "I can't believe this is me," I mused, gazing at my transformed appearance.

Alex, standing behind me, remarked, "You're looking sharp and remarkably confident. It even suits you better than it does me. It looks good on you."

I couldn't help but smile, grateful for his assistance. "Yeah, I know. I can't believe how good this feels. Thanks, Alex," I expressed my heartfelt gratitude.

"Come on, you're a great guy, and since you and I are living together, there are some benefits in it," he said, patting me on the back. I was genuinely impressed by Alex's maturity and respect, defying stereotypes about privileged individuals.

"Now, let's get going before we're late for class," he added, and we collected our belongings and left for school.

Upon our arrival at the classroom, we noticed our classmates engaged in lively conversations, forming connections. I followed Alex as he introduced me to his newfound friends, who greeted me with smiles and handshakes.

"Guys, meet my friend and my roommate, Peter. Peter, meet my friends, Sean, William, Ben, Lucas, and that guy over there is Jackson."

"Nice to meet you all," I greeted warmly, shaking hands with each of them, and they reciprocated with politeness and smiles.

Sean and the group were friendly and inviting, and despite my initial nervousness, I started to feel at ease and accepted, even if my contributions to their conversations were minimal.

As the day went on, the class's attention was diverted to the entrance as the "Gaga Girls" made their grand entrance, captivating everyone's gaze.

"Wow, these girls are something else," Sean groaned as he stared at them with admiration.

"You're not the only one, man. I'm determined to get one of their phone numbers today," Lucas declared.

However, their conversation came to an abrupt halt as the lecturer entered the room, signaling the start of the class. We hurried to our seats and directed our attention to the lecture.

During a break between classes, Sean and his friends joined us at our seats, engaging in conversation while waiting for the next lecture.

"I've been eyeing your outfit all day, Peter, and I must say, it's on point," Sean complimented, observing my attire.

"Thanks," I responded, appreciative of the compliment.

"I've been searching for this particular design for a while, but it's hard to come by. Where did you get it, and how much did it cost?" he inquired.

After a brief hesitation, I decided to be truthful about my situation, as they would eventually discover the truth. "Actually, Alex kindly lent me this outfit this morning."

The revelation caught them by surprise, and they exchanged puzzled glances. I noticed a hint of disappointment in Alex's expression.

"Wait, what? Alex, you gave him your clothes? Why?" Sean asked, turning to Alex, who nodded in agreement. The revelation left the group baffled.

As their curiosity about my background grew, William decided to ask the pivotal question, "So, Peter, tell us more about yourself. Where are you from?"

With trepidation, I revealed, "I come from a modest background, but my family couldn't afford a school like this. Fortunately, I received a scholarship to study here."

The news appeared to shift the mood within the group. Whispers spread through their huddle, and disapproving glances were exchanged.

Sean, known for his outspokenness, openly ridiculed me, "A scholarship kid, huh? Must be a real charity case!" The rest of the group joined in the mockery, and the laughter echoed throughout the class.

I couldn't help but feel my face flush with embarrassment, wishing I could vanish from the room at that very moment. Angelica, the object of my affection, joined in the laughter, and the pain of seeing her do so was unbearable. I regretted my decision to disclose my background.

There’s nothing more hurtful than seeing your crush laugh at an embarrassing joke about you.