A destructive addiction

The day was overcast and unusually cold for early October. The wind blew yellow and red leaves onto the sidewalks, streets, and parks. The local children had incredible fun throwing these colorful leaves around on their way home from school. A dark-haired boy with Korean features watched this innocent game from the window. He held a piece of paper and a pencil, the end of which he was impatiently chewing on thoughtfully.

"Mr. Shinoda! Is something wrong?" a pretentious, stern voice echoed from the back of the classroom. The boy flinched at the sound of his name and looked up at the angry figure standing over him.

"Uh... No, everything's fine," he replied, trying to turn the paper over, but the professor's hand was faster.

"Shinoda, you haven't even started!" she said, narrowing her eyes menacingly.

"No, because I just..." he began, embarrassed, but wasn't allowed to finish.

"You haven't started, and I want to remind you that eight papers are due on my desk by tomorrow," she said in a nasty tone. "I'm saying this to everyone!" she added loudly, approaching the board. The boy took a deep breath and glanced at his watch. At that moment, the bell rang. He threw his pencils and pad into his backpack and quickly went out into the hallway. He headed toward the locker room when suddenly he heard,

"Mike! Mike! Hi... Are you finished yet?" a Korean boy, about his age, ran up to him, out of breath.

"Joe! Oh yes... Finally..." he muttered, feeling nauseous at the thought of today's homework. He had four ready, each of which took him three hours to complete. He shook his head and asked, "

Did they screw you over? Because I..." he gestured despairingly.

"Hmm... Actually, I have everything ready. If you want, I can help you..." his friend suggested, running his fingers through his black hair.

"I'd love to," Mike replied moodily. "I don't know how I'm going to make it this year...

" "Man, you draw amazing drawings, you're a top student!" Joe said animatedly. The brunette sighed. Pasadena's Art Center College was definitely a top-tier school. Hard work and a lot of studying... But it was true that he made great drawings. After all, that's why he came here. He'd always had a talent for art. He wanted to study here. And he wanted to graduate with the best possible grades

. "You know, I'd like to finally meet those friends of yours..." Joe said suddenly.

"Brad and Rob? Ah... As you know, I rarely see them now... They're students too. If they were here in Pasadena, we'd see each other every day. They're brilliant. You have to show them your DJ skills, Mr. Hahn," Mike exclaimed, nudging Joe on the shoulder. They were walking down the hall, chatting, when suddenly a dark-haired girl with big, brown eyes walked past them. She gave Mike a smile and said,

"Hi!

" He nodded slightly. As the girl passed, Joe yelled, " Hello!"

"You know her?!

Mike nodded again.

"Where from?!" Joe yelled again. Mike looked at him in surprise.

"You like her? Bro, they're giving up on that girl!" Mike said with amusement. "She's awfully empty! If you don't have anything to talk to a girl about, then you should give up on this relationship," Mike finished.

"But when did you talk to her?" his friend insisted.

"You know..." Mike began reluctantly. "She's been clinging to me lately, she started talking, and I thought she was stupid...

" "Aha," Joe muttered. They entered the locker room.

"Mike, haven't you noticed that everyone's clinging to you?" Joe asked after a moment with a malicious smile.

"Oh, stop it..." Mike hissed, but at that moment a group of girls approached him, laughing and simpering. Joe couldn't help himself and burst out laughing. His friend gave him a murderous look and said to the girls,

"Sorry, girls, I'd love to chat, but I'm in a hurry... You know... Lots of homework." Then he and Joe walked out in front of the school building. They headed to the same park where the kids had been playing just 20 minutes ago.

"Mike, how come you don't have a girlfriend yet?" Joe asked, rubbing his chin.

"Ugh, stop, I told you! Why don't you have a girlfriend?" the brunette hissed.

"Hey, but I'm serious," Joe replied seriously. Mike thought for a moment and said,

"They're all empty! They think they're so beautiful and wonderful... They only talk about themselves." He gagged, making Joe laugh. They walked through the park, brushing leaves with his feet, and talked about music. They were both obsessed with music. Whenever Mike had time, he sat down at his keyboard, which he had brought with him, and composed. Joe was mixing and doing brilliant things. Mike's friends, Agoura's Brad Delson and Rob Bourdon, had their own band – Relative Deegre. You could tell Mike was in it too. He prepared samples for them whenever he had time. But they weren't playing at all right now because of the school year. Mike was eager to introduce Joe to the guys. He knew it might have a future. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Mike felt a hard impact and found himself on the ground. Joe screamed. He shook himself and, with Joe's help, stood up. He dusted himself off and his gaze fell on the girl getting up. She was wearing combat boots, black wide-leg trousers, a black jacket, a headband, and a nose ring. Despite this situation, Mike noticed that the girl was very pretty. He had no idea how old she was.

"Uh... Are you okay?" he asked, extending his hand. She gave him a cold look and simply said,

"Watch where you're going, idiot." She had no English accent at all.

Mike was speechless. No girl had ever slapped him like that before.

"Hey, looks like you ran into him," Joe said angrily.

"What are you saying, Jap?" the girl snapped, turning on her heel and running away. The only sound was the clatter of heavy boots.

"God, what a lunatic," Joe said to Mike, who hadn't spoken. He was shocked. No girl had ever ignored him. Whenever he wanted to get a girl's attention, he managed it within five minutes. All he had to do was smile and wink... He had to find out more about this girl at all costs. He had to.

"Mike? Let's go? Don't worry about that freak," Joe said, tugging on his jacket sleeve. Mike nodded, and they left the park. The brunette checked his watch. 4:45 p.m. He was glad he was leaving at the same time tomorrow. He had to check something.

He practically ran out of school. He was actually in a pretty good mood, having managed to meet Professor Harrods's requirements. He gave her those damn drawings, and she even smiled when she saw them. Mike went to the park and sat on a bench in the same spot where he'd been lying on the ground yesterday, knocked down by a rude girl. He wasn't waiting for Joe. He'd finished three hours earlier. He sat and waited. And suddenly he saw her... She was running, again in combat boots, but this time she was wearing dark green pants. Mike jumped up from the bench, snatching his backpack and running after her. He caught up to her and stood in front of her. The girl stopped abruptly. She rolled her eyes heavenward.

"Damn it, what do you want from me?" she asked angrily, trying to get past Mike. But to no avail.

"You owe me..." Mike said, still blocking the girl's path. She made a strange face.

"Yeah, you almost killed me yesterday!" he said to her face. She snorted contemptuously. She brushed past him and walked briskly. Mike kept pace with her.

"So? Should I go to the café with you now?" she asked ironically.

"At least," Mike replied, smiling. The girl snorted again.

"I don't want anything to do with you," she said quietly, stopping again as Mike blocked her path. He looked at her with genuine surprise.

"Why?" he asked, truly unnerved.

"Because you're too confident!" she replied, taking advantage of Mike's moment of inattention and running away. Mike shrugged helplessly. He kicked a nearby stone. No matter how hard he tried to forget her, he knew he'd be thinking about her... She fascinated him. He'd never met such a stubborn and mysterious girl. He had to, had to get to know her. He just didn't know how yet... He immediately decided to go to Joe and ask him for advice. He knocked on the door of a small house near the college. Joe had inherited the house from his aunt, so that was one of the reasons his parents had decided to send him here.

"Mike!" Joe called from the doorway. "Where have you been? I've been calling and calling you!"

Mike came in, undressed, and sat cross-legged on the carpet. He told Joe everything he wanted to tell him. Mr. Hahn howled.

"Ooh... Do you like her?" he asked, laughing.

"I like her right away, I do!" Mike growled. "No, I just want to know about her, really!

" "Okay... Fine..." Joe replied, still smiling. "I suggest a little investigation... Tomorrow you won't bother her, just follow her around... You'll see where she walks every day, or rather, runs, and that'll be something!

" "Hmmm... Right, just don't let her know we're following her..." Mike replied thoughtfully.

"Right... Hey, wait... What do you mean WE?" Joe yelled.

"Oh, please! I'm not going to wander around alone!" Mike grinned imploringly.

"Ugh..." Joe muttered. "Oh, look what I did yesterday!"

They sat down at Joe's computer, and he put on a nice beat. Mike fell into thought and grabbed a piece of paper and pencil. A moment later, a gray sketch appeared, a figure standing in the wind in a black jacket and combat boots. She had her hands in her pockets and seemed to be contemplating something. Joe glanced over his shoulder, a faint smile of satisfaction crossing his face. Now he understood that this was exactly the kind of girl Mike wanted. Stubborn, unusual, and yet beautiful. That was exactly what that mischievous girl from the park was like. She didn't have a mask on her face, she favored the color black, and it was clear from her that she wasn't the slightest bit easy. And Mike had a tough road ahead of him if he wanted to get her attention. And he wanted it badly.

The very next day, he was restless at the kennel and didn't listen to the lessons at all. His thoughts kept returning to the park. He waited, and waited, and waited. He only had an hour left to finally break free. Today he was utterly fed up. With everything. The schedule, the professors, and the girls. He was tearing up the three notes he'd received. All three had proposed a meeting. The very thought made him feel nauseous. He pretended to listen with interest to what Sora was saying, but in reality, he was just waiting for the end. And finally. He ran out like a madman, grabbing Joe along the way. He hadn't even put on a jacket. It was sunny and even quite warm considering the October weather. They ran, panting, into the trees of the park and waited for the girl. Mike nudged Joe. They looked in one direction. The girl was walking in combat boots again. She had rolled up her jeans, a headband, and a loose black sweatshirt. She wasn't wearing a jacket. They noticed headphones in her ears. Her rolled-up sleeves revealed her petticoats, leather straps, and chains. A chain also hung from her pants. She walked quickly and rhythmically. Mike smiled to himself. He glanced at his leather straps—the two pets in her arms. After all, his friends were playing rock music, and he was preparing rock beats and samples for them. They calmly followed the girl, who was walking faster and faster. They couldn't take their eyes off her, but they couldn't let her see them either. They'd been walking for about ten minutes when the girl suddenly stopped at the corner of a small street, clearly waiting for something, or someone. She kept checking her watch. Suddenly, a boy with red hair approached her. Mike and Joe decided to get as close as possible. They wanted to hear something. They stood behind a concrete pillar. The boy had a lip ring, a studded collar around his neck, and square-rimmed glasses with black frames. He was wearing a T-shirt, a little too big, and dark red baggy pants with three chains hanging against them. He was wearing skateboarding shoes.

"It's not that warm," Joe muttered, looking at the boy's T-shirt. He took his hands out of his pockets as the girl approached him. His wrists were adorned with unusual tattoos: two large flames. He generally wore pets, lots of chains, and leather straps. The boy kissed the girl on the cheek and lit a cigarette. The boys couldn't hear what they were saying, but one thing was certain: they intended to follow them.

"Do you think... Do you think they're a couple?" Mike blurted out. Joe shrugged.

"We'll have to see for ourselves," he said, trying to comfort his friend. The boy and girl chatted for a moment, then headed toward the distant buildings. Joe and Mike followed them like shadows.

They followed them all the way to a neat house. Not that they were really surprised, but Joe and Mike thought they might be going to some metalheads meeting or something... And the couple entered the gate of the house and the boys only heard the girl say:

- Good morning, Mrs. Farrell!

"Good morning, good morning! David and the others are in the garage," came the pleasant reply. Joe and Mike looked up and saw the girl and the guy entering the garage.

"Come on, we need to know what they're doing in there!" Mike muttered, pulling Joe around the house. To their relief, the back of the house wasn't fenced in yet, and they could peek through the small garage window. They both rushed in, and all in all, they weren't so far off the mark about the metalheads. There were maybe six people inside, all dressed similarly to the girl and the guy. Only one girl stood out a bit. She had light hair, a black top, and pants. A guy with a lip ring just walked up to her, leaned in, and kissed her on the lips. Mike exhaled with a whoosh. He felt a strange sense of relief. In the garage were speakers, two microphones on a table, a bass guitar, and... a turntable. Joe's eyes welled up.

"God! I want to go there and see those turntables!" "He said dreamily. You had to admit they had some decent equipment.

"Come to that door, I want to know what they're saying," Mike whispered, pointing to the next door. They heard snatches of conversation.

"They were all useless! We're getting worse and worse...

" "Yes! Then maybe you should just say I'm useless too!" "

You are! Have you ever done a good scratch?

" "You don't like this! I don't have to be here!"

"Shut up!"

Mike recognized his girlfriend's voice.

"Kitten, don't get so worked up!

" "Fuck, no kitten! One more time and I'll wipe that smirk off your face! "

"She's rough," Joe whispered to Mike, who just nodded.

"Nika, come on..."

Mike snapped his fingers. Nika!

"You know what? I'm sick of you! You still don't like what I do!" another voice said.

"Yeah! Because we need a professional!"

"So I have to leave?

" "If that's what you call it..."

Suddenly, the door flew open and Joe was blown backward. Mike flew inside.

"Ooo..." Mike heard, rising from the ground. He looked at everyone's faces. Joe stood next to him.

"Please, please..." said the boy with red hair, approaching them.

"Chester," the girl he'd kissed said warningly.

"I'm not doing anything," the boy replied with a twisted smile. He folded his arms across his chest and looked them over insolently.

"I don't remember you being invited," he drawled coldly. "We don't like intruders."

The girl from the park smiled mysteriously.

"I know them," she said quietly, still smiling strangely. Chester looked at her in surprise.

Joe was fascinated by the Turntable. He didn't care if they were about to get beaten up. He absolutely had to see this thing. So he sneaked over to the equipment and plugged it in. He knew everything. His eyes sparkled. He stood behind the table, flipped a few switches, and looked at what he had. Some record. Whatever… The onslaught of sound woke everyone up. Mike rolled his eyes. His friend was unpredictable. Joe started mixing the sound. He was working wonders. No one could approach him. If he weren't brilliant, they would have been skinned long ago. Joe finished, embarrassed. Only now did he realize they were in trouble, but suddenly…

"God, man! You're brilliant!" the red-haired boy shouted, running up to him. "Chester Bennington, vocals," he said, shaking the dazed Joe's hand. Mike laughed. He couldn't hold back. It was a stupid situation. Joe blushed slightly.

"Where were you before?" You're a professional! – the redhead yelled again.

– Uh… – Joe said, looking at Mike.

– Well, you know, we have our own band, as you can see, we play rock, but it's been getting worse lately… We had a terrible DJ, but if you don't play anywhere else, which I doubt, then I beg you! Join us! – Chester said this very quickly, staring at Joe with admiration.

– You better listen to him… – Joe muttered, pointing at Mike, whose face fell.

– And what about him? – said the girl in combat boots. Joe immediately said,

– He's the best MC who ever walked the earth… –

Nika snorted. Mike narrowed his eyes. Another guy approached.

– Well, show him what you've got, then – he said, handing him the microphone. Mike looked at everyone, took off his sweatshirt, and said,

– Okay.

Nika glanced at his petticoats and the straps on his arms. She made a bored face.

– Mr. Hahn! Backing track! Mike shouted to Joe. Joe just smiled and put his hands to his mouth. Joe went completely freestyle. That was it. Mike started rapping one of his own lyrics he'd written. When he finished, Chester started applauding, followed by the rest. Even Nika expressed her astonishment by clapping.

"So what? I'll see you at rehearsal tomorrow at the same time, right? By the way, this is my girlfriend Samantha, this is bassist Phoenix, my friends Tommy and Steve, and my friend Nika..." Chester introduced everyone. "And I'm Chaz. Chazy Chaz," he added. Mike shook Nika's hand. She made a teasing face but smiled. Mike reciprocated. He'd learned some interesting things... Only Phoenix lived in Pasadena, and the rest lived in... Los Angeles! Where Mike, Joe, Rob, and Brad lived! That pleased him. Chaz and his gang seemed nice enough, but he couldn't say more for now. And he wasn't surprised that Nika went to Poland for every vacation. She was born there and only came to America two years ago. He could tell she was a foreigner from the way she spoke the first time. So they arranged a rehearsal and left the garage. Joe and Mike didn't think it would end this way. Mike was incredibly happy. After a moment, Nika joined them. The brunette's heart began to beat faster.

"Hi! What, won't you wait?" she asked. Joe looked at her coldly.

"Are you still angry about that Japanese guy?" she asked sincerely. Joe nodded.

"Oh, Mr. Hahn! Don't be offended! Please! I know I was rude..." she said.

"Okay..." he said haughtily and said goodbye to them. Mike and Nika walked in silence.

"Uh... Mike?" she asked uncertainly. "I'm sorry.

" Mike looked at her with amusement.

"For what?" he asked.

"Well, for being so mean and rude... Unfortunately, I can't control it... That's my worst flaw... I was wrong about you. I thought you were such a narcissist..." she said, lowering her head. "But I know now I had no right to judge you so hastily...

" "Okay. I'm not angry," he replied, feeling his heart swell with joy.

"So? Is this coffee shop still open?" she asked, smiling broadly.

"Absolutely," Mike replied. "

That's great! See you tomorrow!" she said, and headed in the opposite direction of Mike, who felt like jumping for joy.

He'd been up late drawing. He'd completely forgotten what he was supposed to be doing. That's how it was in that damn shack. Eight hours of classes and eight hours of homework. He'd gone to bed at 2 a.m. and was unconscious the next morning. He'd thrown the alarm clock out the door with such force that it shattered into pieces. Unfortunately, only afterward did he realize that wasn't a wise move because he wouldn't wake up tomorrow. He could have set his cell phone, but there was a risk of smashing it in the morning too. He got out of bed practically on all fours, searching for his things. He got dressed, brushed his teeth, and left. The cool air woke him up slightly. He reached the park. He shuffled, yawning the entire time. Suddenly, someone tapped him on the shoulder. It wasn't Joe.

"Nika? What are you doing here... ah... yay?" he asked, surprised, unable to hold back a yawn. "Sorry," he added, yawning again.

"You don't look so good," she said, looking at him carefully.

"Uh... Well, I didn't get enough sleep," he replied, feeling himself waking up under her influence. "Where do you go to the bar? And why here and not in Los Angeles? Unless you're studying...

" "Uh... Actually, if you want, I can tell you... I don't feel like going to the bar," she said indifferently. Mike shrugged.

"Me neither," he replied, feeling like he was ready to skip class today. "So? Are we going somewhere?"

"Sure! But nothing's open yet..." she said, also yawning. Mike laughed.

"There's a sandwich shop on Stocker Street open..." Mike said.

"Come on!" she replied. So they went. There was practically no one there, so they sat in the corner.

"Want some coffee?" Mike asked Nike. She shook her head. Mike sat down across from her with a cup.

"I don't drink coffee," she explained with a fake serious face and laughed. Mike looked indifferent and asked,

"So how old are you?

" "Uh... Well, 18..." she muttered, biting her lip. Mike nodded. He would have given her 19... "And you? "

"Ohh... A year older," he said, smiling.

"Ahh..." Nika just muttered.

"So where do you study?" he asked again.

"Where? Exactly... Mike, okay, I won't trick you," she blurted out. "Actually, I'm 15 and I go to that middle school near your place..."

Mike choked. He looked at her like she was crazy. She just nodded in resignation.

"God! I would have given you 19..." he said. She's 15! Great!

"It's always like this!" she said. "When I tell you how old I am, everyone talks to me differently and everything... Only Chester is cool with me! And the rest of the gang too... Chaz is 20 and he's my best friend... Actually, I met him in Los Angeles and I came here to study especially for him.

" "Oh... No, I still treat you the same! Cool!" Mike said. "Do you have feelings for him?" he asked anxiously.

"Chaz? No way! He has a girlfriend and I have a boyfriend!" she said cheerfully. Mike felt something unpleasant rise in his throat. He closed his eyes and it passed.

"Aha..." he muttered. That was all he could manage. "

Well... I'll tell you, I made out with Chester a few times, but that was at the beginning... Just out of curiosity," she said indifferently. "He hasn't been with Sam yet, and I haven't been with Sebastian..."

Mike felt he couldn't keep up with this girl.

"So, have you ever been with Chester?" he asked.

"No," she replied honestly.

"Aha," Mike said. She caught him completely off guard. She noticed the anticipation on his face and said,

"Sebastian and I have been together for a year... You know, he's 19... Just like you," she muttered. For half an hour, Mike wasn't in a good mood at all. But then he forgot and talked to her normally. They spent the entire day together. They sat at a café, then in the park. They also decided to go pick up Joe later.

"Hmm... He might be mad that I missed class..." Mike muttered to Niki as they sat on a park bench.

"Well... But don't tell Chaz I skipped, okay?" she asked coaxingly. Mike looked surprised.

"Oh, please! This happens to me a lot lately..." she added, lowering her head.

"You know! If I knew, I wouldn't have let you," Mike said indignantly. "Would Chester be mad?"

"Well, he cares about me a lot... He's the one who talked my parents into coming here to study. I live with him." "

She doesn't live with Chaz?" Mike asked, surprised, playing with the strap of his backpack.

"No... She lives in the dorm," Nika replied. "You know, she used to think that Chaz and I were together, that he was cheating on her... After she came over to our house one Saturday and found us in bed together..." she said, laughing. Mike no longer understood anything. Absolutely nothing. "

Wait," he said, rubbing his forehead, "I don't get it anymore... Are you with Chaz or not?

" "No, no! I already told you! I love him like a brother, even more... I love him so much that I would give my life for him! But not like a boyfriend... Not like that... And when I sleep with him, it's like a sister and brother. I always cuddle up to him and feel safe... I would never do anything with him," she said, still laughing. "I know it's not normal!" But we're not crazy... At least I am," she added, bursting into even louder laughter at the sight of Mike's face.

"Okay... I still don't understand much of this, but okay..." said a confused Mike. He sighed. He felt this girl was shrouded in a great mystery. She wasn't simple. It was difficult to understand her. She had a complex psyche. Different from other people...

"So? Are we going to get Joe?" she asked, glancing at her watch.

"Well..." replied Mike, and they went to get their friend. Joe opened the door in a very bad mood.

"Where have you been all day, huh?" he yelled at Mike from the doorway. "What do you think you can do? That you can skip class?

" "Oh, Mr. Hahn... I'm the one who talked him into coming with me..." Nika interceded on Mike's behalf.

"Well! And you're no better! She ran away too! You know what? You're crazy!" Joe shouted. He was furious.

"Brother, calm down!" Mike soothed him. "Calm down! Come on, we're going to Phoenix."

Joe got dressed and went with them. He was still a little grumpy along the way. It only subsided when they arrived. Chester was waiting for Nike.

"Honey, have you eaten? What about school?" he asked as she approached him and threw her arms around his neck. At the mention of school, she winked at Mike, who smiled.

"Okay. I'm not hungry," she replied, sitting down next to Mike. Suddenly, someone's cell phone rang. Nika pulled her phone out of her backpack.

"Yes?" she asked. "Oh, hi... Me? Yes, well, I can..." she said and walked away from the group. "I don't think this is a phone call... What? Um... Sure... I understand." She made a pained face. "Yes, I know... No point... What? Should I answer honestly? Okay... No, I didn't love you... I was with you because you're cool and I liked you..." Mike raised his head. Sebastian... "Mhm... Well... Bye," she hung up and threw the phone with all her might. Chaz ran over and caught it in the air.

"Nika... Please... You told me yourself that... Well..." he said, coming to his senses. "Don't grieve over him. If I ever meet him, I promise I'll kill him!" he said with a smile, lifting her face with his thumb. She smiled and hugged Chaz. Samantha smiled too. Mike understood. Sebastian had broken up with her... Well...

"So? Can we play?" David asked, taking his guitar. This rehearsal had taught them all a lot. Everyone contributed new ideas and opinions. Chester and MC Mike's vocals blended seamlessly and sounded great. Everyone agreed. Thanks to Joe, their band had become truly professional... Mike was thinking about getting Rob and Brad on board as well. After he started singing with Chaz, he'd grown to like him. He was a man with a strong and explosive personality, with a lot of life experience under his belt. And he was also different from other people. It was hard to understand him. Just like Nike. They were people with the same psychology. That's why they understood and loved each other so well. But despite that, they couldn't be a couple. They were simply two halves who had found their true friends. Mike understood that. After rehearsal, he returned home with Nika. And with Joe, who had earned the respect and adoration of the rest of the group. Mike decided to go to his friend's, so they said goodbye to Nika and went their separate ways.

Nika entered the apartment, turned on the light, and went into the room. Chaz went to Sam's. She lit candles in the room and turned on some music. It happened to be a song Chaz and the boys had recorded. They had always thought about recording an album... But those were just dreams. She lay down on the carpet, propped herself up in her arms, and waited for Chaz, thinking. Suddenly, the door slammed, and she heard her friend.

"Honey, I'm here," he shouted from the hallway. She checked her watch. It was eleven-thirty. She was very sleepy. Chester came and sat down next to her. She laid her head on his chest and whispered,

"Chaz?"

"Mhm?" Chester encouraged, watching her carefully. He could see she was tired.

"I wasn't at the kennel today..." she said, closing her eyes. He didn't have the strength to yell at her. He just shook his head and pursed his lips. She wasn't listening anyway; she was almost asleep. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to bed.

"Will you come soon? Because I can't sleep on my own..." she whispered, still not opening her eyes and snuggling into the pillow. Chester smiled and kissed her forehead,

"Yes, I'll be there soon." He left for the small kitchen. He sat down at the table, taking off his glasses. He would die for this teenager. He loved her immensely. For a whole year, he had been her family. He didn't even remember how they'd met. He only knew she wasn't happy... That her difference had its source. He also knew he'd done the right thing by taking her with him. But he didn't want to think about that now. His eyes were closing on their own. He took a cue from Niki and went to sleep. She didn't even stir as he covered himself with the duvet. She was already fast asleep. Chester smiled to himself one last time and closed his eyes, falling asleep instantly.

Mike woke up in the morning and was very happy when he realized it was Saturday. He lay there for a moment when his cell phone suddenly rang. He answered, surprised.

"Mike? Hi! Listen, would you like to go shopping with me today? Chester has exams and I'm bored..." he heard Nika's voice. He perked up immediately.

"Heh, of course!" he replied, sitting up abruptly on the bed.

"Okay then... I'll pick you up in an hour! Bye," she said, and hung up. Mike had no choice but to get up and get dressed. At 10:00 sharp, Nika appeared in the doorway. They left the apartment together.

"Listen, what are you planning to buy?" Mike asked as they headed downtown.

"Hmm... Mainly new combat boots," she replied, looking at the old ones. They looked very worn. Well, they were no longer wearable... Nika bought a pair of all-black combat boots with raised toes. They could have gone back, but they didn't feel like it. They shopped for three hours until they finally got bored, and Mike suggested they go to his place.

"Wow! What talent you have!" Nika said, examining all the drawings on her desk. "And this one reminds me of someone... Hey, that's me!" she exclaimed in surprise.

"Ugh..." Mike muttered, embarrassed. "Well..."

"It's great!" she said, examining her work. Mike was looking at her intently.

"Is something wrong?" she asked seriously.

"No..." he muttered. "It's just... I don't understand you sometimes...

" "Well, because I'm like this because..." but she suddenly fell silent. Mike decided not to press the matter. He didn't say anything. She looked at him intently.

"Want to hear?" she asked, approaching him. He nodded. His heart started beating very fast. She took his hand and they both sat down. A shiver ran through him as he felt her touch.

"Mike... What I'm going to tell you now, of course, only Chester and Sam know..." She fell silent for a moment and took a deep breath. Mike squeezed her hand tighter. She closed her eyes. "Mike, I know you might turn away from me now. You don't want to talk to me anymore, but I really like you, and looking into your sincere eyes, I can't hide it... Please, don't tell Joe... Or anyone else." Mike squeezed her hand again gently in agreement. "

You see... I'm in rehab now, and I can't cope." Mike looked at her, his eyebrows furrowed. She lowered her head and said,

"Yes, Mike, I'm a drug addict..." Tears rolled down her cheeks. Mike had a storm of thoughts racing desperately through his head.

"Nika, don't cry..." he whispered, bowing his head as well. He touched her hair with his cheek.

"Mike... It's hard, terribly hard... I've been on drugs for about three years, and every time I almost got out, I couldn't, and I had to start all over again." And it's Chester who's trying to get me out of it. He understands me like few others, because he's been through it himself... He was a drug addict himself. And I met him in that environment, right after moving to Los Angeles, but he was already recovering. Samantha helped him, and of course, various treatment centers... He won't touch anything now. His mother also played a big role... And my parents... They had just moved from Poland because they thought things were better here... That I would get help, but they couldn't do it themselves. And here it was even worse. I was taking more and stronger drugs. Until I met Chaz... He said he wouldn't let me, then 14, kill myself at 17. If he could do it, so could I. And from then on, I went with him everywhere, to treatment, to school... He was very disappointed when I showed up high and unconscious. He was the one I was with then, the one who cared... Of course, my mother and father knew everything, but you know... Work and money are the most important things," she snorted through her tears and continued:

"Chester talked to them, but they thought everything was fine because I never came to the cabin high. They just didn't know I was always at Chaz's... And he had to come here to study. He wouldn't even hear of leaving me practically alone in Los Angeles, so I came with him here... A new environment, new people... I've been in rehab for almost two months. The last time I used was during the summer... It's hard, but I'll do it for Chaz... I know where to get drugs here," she smiled sadly. "But I have to do it, because my life isn't life..." she sobbed. Mike pulled her to him and hugged her tightly.

"I can see your psyche is in pieces..." he whispered. "But don't worry... If you don't use now, you never will, honestly," he said, wiping a tear from her cheek. He saw resignation and emptiness in her eyes.

"It's the worst right now," she said quietly. "Everything's starting to hurt, I throw up every day, I feel something twisting inside me... Yesterday, when we were going out together, it was fine... I didn't even think about taking it. It's the worst when I'm alone... It's becoming unbearable... It's hard. But I think I can handle it. I just don't know how much longer I'll have to suffer like this. The effects will last a lifetime, I know, but if I stop now, it'll be less severe..." She looked at Mike sadly. He was surprised, of course, but not in the way he expected. He knew she was different, her behavior... Different, and yet the same.

"This morning I called you because I felt like I couldn't take it any longer and would have to go to the dealer... But thanks to you agreeing, I made it through another day. I don't know for how long..." She sobbed and buried her head in Mike's. He stroked her hair, and they sat there. After a moment, however, he said,

"Forever... I know you'll survive." I'll help you. Chester too. But let me help you..." Mike said. He already knew what was wrong. She looked at him, surprised.

"But I'm relying solely on help now," she said emphatically.

"No," Mike replied. "You have something encoded in your subconscious that won't let you stop unless you get rid of it... Because you really still want to use it.

" "What? How can you say that?" she shouted.

"Don't you see that? Why are you using it? Because you want to feel the pleasure of the drug, and it's encoded in your head! Even though you don't want to, you want..." Mike said gently. She looked at him with a pained expression.

"How can I get rid of it?" she asked slowly. Yes, Mike was right, she knew... "

Do you see a psychologist?" he asked. She nodded. "So now you have to tell yourself that drugs are disgusting, they taste bitter, and they make you feel terrible... That they're not fun." Wait." He left for a moment and returned with a knife and a small box.

"Take this," he said, handing her the box. "Put the entire contents in your mouth," he ordered. She did as he ordered, thinking she would explode from the pain in her mouth. Her mouth was full of pepper, which burned and consumed her. At the same moment, Mike cut a deep gash into her hand with the knife. She screamed, watching the blood drip. Her mouth burned, and her hand hurt as well. Tears of agony rolled down her cheeks. It was awful. Mike handed her a tissue.

"Spit it out," he said, handing her a glass of water as well. She did so immediately, gulping down the entire glass. Mike attended to her hand. He bandaged it carefully, and she just looked at him. She understood what he meant. And she thanked him for it.

"I'm sorry I caused you such pain," he said, looking at her apologetically. "But imagine, these are drugs. Remember, they don't give you even a moment of pleasure! Do you want to experience that again?" – he asked in an ominous tone.

"No!" she shouted.

"Exactly. So you can't take drugs. Honestly, it was a brutal way to make it clear to you, but I had to. I think Chaz would have done the same, but he couldn't... He loves you too much, and love doesn't do anything bad to someone you have feelings for... I did it because I don't love you yet..." he whispered, running his fingers over her hand. "I'm sorry.

" "Yet?" she asked. Mike didn't answer. He couldn't admit that he had become more attached to her than he ever had to anyone else.

Nika returned to Chaz's apartment late that evening. Mike walked her home.

"Thank you," he said, standing with her for a moment before she entered the building.

"For what?" she asked, surprised. "I should be the one thanking you for telling me something..."

Mike glanced at the bandage peeking out from under his jacket.

"Thank you for telling me..." he whispered. She nodded.

"See you tomorrow then," Mike said, disappearing into the darkness that enveloped Pasadena. Nika entered the house. Chaz immediately approached.

"Where have you been?" he asked anxiously, turning on the light. He cupped her face in his hands and checked her eyes.

"I wasn't on drugs," she said calmly. Chaz took any lateness or strange mood she showed as an alarm. He always checked her irises.

"I trust you, you know that, honey. But I also know how it is, how hard it is... Never be alone for so long again, because you could do something really terrible... And you can handle it! I believe in you!" Chester spoke quickly.

"I wasn't alone. I was at Mike's..." she replied, taking off her shoes. Chester folded his arms across his chest. "I was with him all day..." She took off her jacket, and Chester jumped up at the sight of the bandage.

"Easy," she said. "I'll tell you. "

Chester sat and listened. He said with a grave expression,

"I'll kill him!" His eyes widened.

"Chaz, no! Listen! Please!" – She explained the meaning of the cut and her reflections. Chester bowed his head.

“Yes... I understand... If you don't help yourself, no one will help you,” Chaz understood now. He didn't hold a grudge against his friend.

“Go to bed early, okay?” he asked gently, kissing her forehead.

“Mhm…” she replied. “Everything hurts… I feel like throwing up…” she added, then went to the bathroom. She returned pale and tired. Chaz grabbed her by the shoulders and said,

“You can't get high now! Do you understand? You've gone too far, please!” He had a pleading tone.

“I know,” she said, and collapsed onto the bed, feeling terrible.

Nika had been on tenterhooks all week. She snapped at everyone, didn't say a word without reason, and every minute she thought about quitting. She talked to the psychologist, Chester, and Mike. The rest could only guess why she was acting this way. Even Sam, whom she really liked, was now completely ignoring her. But Samantha understood. The second week, she was just depressed and spent entire days at Mike's, who helped her think about something other than drugs. Because of this, he started failing school, and Joe had to work hard to make excuses for him. He helped him, though he didn't know why. He believed Mike would tell him what was going on someday... Nika treated Mike almost like he treated Chester. She told him everything. All her fears, pains, and doubts. And he... He was lost to her. Another week passed, and they all went to Phoenix to play. Then Chaz took Mike and Joe aside. He looked at Mike meaningfully. So they were going to implement their plan. They wanted to let Joe in on something he thought would happen next about Nika's life. Joe was shocked, he didn't want to believe them, but then he scolded them for not telling him sooner.

"Joe... The thing is... We need to know if she's really out of this mess. Is she strong, or won't she take..." Chester began persuasively. Joe looked suspiciously at him.

"So what should she do?" he asked, eyeing them suspiciously the entire time.

"Well..." Mike began. "You'll trick her into thinking you're on drugs and offer her... I know it's a lie and all, but if she agrees, it means we still have to work hard to get her back to normal... Joe, please do it!"

Mr. Hahn sighed.

"Okay," he said with resignation. "Joseph Hahn as the villain... Something incredible...

" Chester laughed.

"Let's get to it!" he said, and he and Mike went to observe them.

"Nika?" "Can I go out with you for a moment?"

"Sure," she said, and they went outside. Chester and Mike rushed over the wall of the house, fighting for better seats. "

Stop it!" Mike hissed

. Chester punched him in the leg.

"Quiet!" Mike said, nudging him on the shoulder. They both fell silent upon hearing Joe.

"Listen, have you ever taken drugs? You've been so sluggish lately, and this really brightens the mood! Once you take it, nothing will happen..." he said sweetly. He was completely delirious. Mike's heart was pounding like crazy... What will he say? What will he say?

"Are you taking it?" Nika asked, shocked. She felt something inside her move violently.

"Uh... No, but I'm asking if you'd like to..." Joe swallowed hard. Chester froze.

Nika suddenly felt revived. It used to be so good. There were no problems when she took it... Her eyes sparkled. But suddenly she remembered such terrible pain and burning... Blood dripping from her hand... It was awful! She didn't want to experience it again. Then Mike somehow managed to convince her that drugs meant blood and pain. She shuddered.

"No, I don't want to! This is disgusting!" she said quietly. Joe screamed. Chaz and Mike appeared from behind the wall like crazy. They were both pushing and screaming. Nika laughed for the first time in a month.

"You idiots!" she screamed through her tears. "You tricked me! Dear Jesus, I don't want to do drugs! And I won't do them anymore because I don't want to! I don't want to!" She laughed and cried alternately. She fell into Chaz's arms, who was hugging and petting her. She pulled away from Chaz and ran to Mike. It was a split second. Their lips met in a passionate kiss. No one noticed; everything seemed to fall silent. Nika seemed to fade, and so did Mike. Suddenly, they seemed to stop. They stood and kissed. Until suddenly, Chester seemed to wake up. Joe stopped abruptly. Mike tore his lips from hers and looked at her like never before in their friendship. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she exhaled. She looked at Mike through the eyes of a woman. A woman who had just experienced something wonderful. She lowered her eyes. For the first time, she blushed under Mike's gaze. She could still feel the taste of his lips. He was a wonderful kisser... She bit her lip as if to hold on to that feeling forever. Mike's eyes were smiling. He cupped her face in his hands and leaned in again. Their lips met again. She closed her eyes dreamily.

"What?" they both heard. Mike stopped kissing her. They looked. Chester had a strange expression on his face. A mixture of anger and surprise. Joe watched without surprise. Chaz walked over to Nika, grabbed her hand, and walked with her to the gate. She gave Mike a curious look, letting him know she was going to call.

"Man, that's action," Joe said, patting the dreamy Mike on the back. "I just don't think Chester's thrilled about it." Mike was still feeling nothing but bliss.

"Nika! How could you?" Chester shouted when they reached the house. He was furious.

"What have I done? I've become really good friends with him, and I like him," she said tearfully, sitting down on the couch. "

How many times have you kissed him? Or maybe you've already slept with him?" Chaz paced back and forth across the room.

"How could you! I've never been in bed with a guy! If I haven't been with you, I've been with him, even less so!" "—she screamed. "And I never made out with him once! Only today, for the first time, because I realized I had feelings for him!"

They screamed at each other for half an hour. Until Nika couldn't take it anymore, got up, and left, slamming the door. She ran down the stairs and 15 minutes later found herself at Mike's.

"Nika? What happened?" he asked anxiously, letting her inside.

"I had a rift with Chester..." she said angrily, taking off her jacket. Mike approached.

"About that?" he asked, and his tongue entered the girl's mouth. She sighed and only murmured,

"Mhhhmmm..."

They sat all evening talking about drug addiction and each other...

"Will... Will you... Will you be with me now?" Mike asked anxiously.

"She thought you'd never ask! You know... I never thought I'd ever feel anything for you... Really..." Mike put a finger to her lips.

"You know... I was already thinking about you when you bumped into me in the park... Because you were different... You were the first girl to spank me mercilessly and not be clingy... I always wanted a girl like that..." he said, placing his head on her lap. "

So abnormal? With a mental breakdown from drugs?" – she asked, smiling.

"Don't talk about drugs... Forget it... Please," he whispered. "You might be crazy... But I still want to be with you," he added. They heard footsteps on the stairwell. She had a feeling it was Chaz... He wouldn't let her disappear for more than two hours. "

Did you lock the door?" she asked, stroking his

cheek. "No..." he replied, raising his eyebrows.

"Hmm... Well, be careful..." She wasn't wrong. Chester burst into the apartment. He leaned against the doorframe. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Nika was sitting against the wall, running her fingers through Mike's hair, and he had his head in her lap... Chester calmly counted to 10. He'd expected this sight.

"We need to talk! The three of us!" he growled and sat down next to them. Mike got up and sat across from him. Nika was still leaning against the wall. Chaz made a grimace.

"So what? Don't you have anything to tell me?" he asked with irony in his voice.

"Yes, we do," Nika replied. "We're a couple."

Chester narrowed his eyes and grimaced. His eyes darted from one to the other. He stood up and said,

"I disagree. I'll see you home in 20 minutes!" He said, and left without a word. Nika stretched and hugged Mike.

"You're supposed to be home soon, you heard him..." Mike said sadly.

"Are you kidding?" she replied, closing her eyes. She yawned and rested her head comfortably on Mike's chest.

Chester sat grumpily at home, waiting for Nike. She didn't show up after twenty minutes, an hour, or even two. Chester realized that for the first time in his life, she simply hadn't listened to him. He couldn't believe it. She always listened to him and stared at him like a picture. He didn't know why she'd ignored him today. He didn't think it was Mike's influence... He generally thought Mr. Shinoda was okay, but he couldn't let him and Nika be together. He was against it because he thought Nika was too young to have a boyfriend as mature as Mike. Well, he knew Sebastian was also 19, but he didn't know him, and because he'd broken up with Nika, Chester thought he was terribly childish. If Nika had been with Mike, it could have been a serious relationship, and she, at 15, shouldn't have been in it... Of course, Chaz was thinking about something that had been bothering him when Nika was alone with Mike... God, she was only 15, he couldn't let anything happen. He grabbed the phone and called her cell, but she didn't answer. He didn't know Mike's number... Suddenly, the door opened and Nika walked into the kitchen. She looked grumpy, but she came.

"Finally..." Chaz muttered. She just gave him a gloomy look and went to her room. She took a bath and went to bed. Chester quietly entered the room and lay down next to her.

"Nika, honey..." he whispered. "You know I want what's best for you...

" "Mhm," came the reply. Chaz persisted.

"Nika, you're 15!" he said with resentment in his voice.

"When I was with Sebastian, you didn't mind!" she muttered sarcastically.

"Yes, I know, but you were far apart and..." he began, but she abruptly interrupted him.

"Well, that's even worse, isn't it?" she hissed. "Do you think our relationship is pointless? You're wrong!"

"No, that's not the point," Chaz replied gently. "What I mean is, don't do anything stupid..."

"Chester! Even though I'm 15, I've been through a lot more in my life than empty-nesters my age! Haven't you noticed?" she said sharply. Chaz sighed.

"I'm asking you one thing, don't do anything stupid, because one step begins every journey," he said quietly

. "You think I don't know?" came the reply. Chester got up and left. For the first time in his life, he had argued with Nika. He shook his head in disbelief and reached for the phone. He needed to talk to Samantha.

A rather pretty brunette sat on the edge of the bed, reaching for the phone, then putting it down again. Her heart was pounding, her hands were simply damp. She didn't know what to tell him... Just because she'd gotten his number meant nothing. Because really! What could she say to him? I love you? Every day you walk by, I think about you all day? Are you divine? It all made no sense... He didn't even know her name... Besides, all the girls were crazy about him, so what could she possibly mean, so drab and everyday? It would be foolish to call him now. She didn't go downstairs for dinner, didn't study... She just lay down on the bed and tried to sleep. In the morning, she got up and was happy, really happy, to be going to the kennel. She would see him... She didn't eat breakfast, she just rushed to the kennel. She immediately found her friend, Tibby, who also adored that gorgeous brunette from IG... They could both talk about him for hours. Tibby scolded her friend for not calling him.

"Ann! You have the number and you didn't call?" she shouted. "Give me the number, I promise I'll do it today!" she said, sitting on a bench in the locker room. Anna recited the number from memory. Suddenly, both of them turned their heads in the same direction. The brunette walked past their locker room, a backpack over one shoulder. He ran a hand through his hair and disappeared from sight. Tibby and Anna gasped for air.

"Oh my... God..." whispered Tibb. Anna just nodded. They both straightened themselves and left the locker room, staring at the locker room next door. The boy sat tapping away on his cell phone. He glanced at the girls passing by and then returned to his phone. They were in deep delight.

"Did you see the look in his eyes?" Anna squealed.

"Well..." Tibby sighed. They climbed the stairs together, and then the bell rang for class. They'd been looking for an excuse to be on the same floor as the brunette with Korean features. They finished at the same time that day. They knew his schedule by heart. When they noticed he'd already left, they hurried to the locker room, pulled on their jackets, and ran out the front of the school. And then it hit them. Before leaving, they ran straight into their gorgeous brunette, embracing some girl, making out with her. They both lowered their heads, walked past them, and tried to hide their disappointment and tears as they exited the school gates.

"It was to be expected," Tibb sobbed. "He can have any girl he wants..."

"I know... But she's not from our neighborhood, have you noticed?" Anna whispered dejectedly. Tibb turned and, over her shoulder, saw a boy whispering something in the girl's ear, and she laughed.

"Mike..." Ann whispered again, "You hurt me so much today..."

They both walked in silence, each experiencing it in their own way, thinking that dreams can only hurt...

Mike intertwined his hand with Nika's, and they left the school grounds.

"Listen... I'd have to talk to Chaz..." Mike said as they walked hand in hand through town. Nika looked at him curiously.

"Because I can't have him as an enemy..." he began again. "I'll explain to him that I want to be with you and that I'm an adult, and he should tolerate it... He's not a little kid either, so he wouldn't understand. What do you think?" he asked, turning to Nika. She shrugged.

"You'll do what you think is right..." she said seriously. She didn't understand Chaz's attitude.

The very next day, Mike's school was abuzz with gossip. Mike Shinoda, the biggest and cutest guy in the whole place, had a girlfriend! Mike felt a little awkward hearing rumors about himself here and there. He didn't want to hear it, didn't want to know how much girls were chasing Nike, even though they'd never seen her. Joe had tried to cheer him up all day, but he hadn't succeeded, especially since Nike had told Mike she was going to Poland for the entire Christmas holiday. He couldn't bear it. He was supposed to go to Los Angeles himself, but he'd been counting on spending the holidays with her, in Los Angeles. He was in a very bad mood. And he hadn't talked to Chester. He was walking alone through the park, shivering in the cold December weather. It was early December, and not a single snowfall had fallen. Suddenly, he felt someone nudge his shoulder. He turned and saw one of the girls squealing at the sight of him. With great effort, he managed not to look bored. The girl smiled nervously and said,

"Hi, Mike... Have you lost something?" and handed him his gloves.

"Ah... Well, thanks," he said, taking his lost gloves. They had apparently fallen out of his jacket pocket.

"I'm Tibby." I know you from the school hallway," the girl said, extending her hand. Mike just nodded and offered his hand.

Mike had no desire to talk to this girl about seeing him twice in the hallway yesterday... It's amazing, isn't it? Despite everything, the girl asked,

"Do you play in a band?"

This question made Mike look at the girl in surprise.

"Well... How do you know?" he asked with a twinkle in his eye. Tibby felt a warm shiver run through her.

"Yeah, I heard..." she said happily.

"But how?" Mike asked again.

"Well... Where can I find out?" Tibby said mysteriously. Mike didn't notice when he started talking to her quite sensibly. He was surprised himself. She wasn't angry at all...

"Okay, I'll go left, and you?" he asked when they reached the end of the park.

"Well... I'll go right," Tibby replied. She decided she was already the happiest girl in the world. She didn't want to impose on him. If all goes well, she will be back with him tomorrow...

"Bye, Tibb," Mike said and walked away. Tibby was still standing, watching him go. Suddenly, she saw him stop, the same girl he'd made out with yesterday approach him, and give her a long kiss. They walked hand in hand. Tibb no longer had any doubts. This was definitely his girlfriend. She turned her head and began making serious plans to get rid of that idiot in combat boots who had been clinging to Mike...

Christmas came, and everyone parted ways. Mike, Chaz, Joe, Sam, and the rest of the gang were all going to Los Angeles together. Only Nika was going to Poland with her parents. Mike was sad, despite his promise that his girlfriend would try to come back early and spend some time with him. Christmas was Christmas. Family, a Christmas tree, and a great atmosphere. Mike called Nika every day. That's what got Mike's parents interested.

"Mike, honey, who's that girl you're calling, huh?" his mother asked him one day as they sat by the fireplace.

"Well... I didn't tell you, but she's my girlfriend..." he replied, clearly embarrassed, nervously tugging at the hem of his shirt.

"Well, it's very good that you've finally found someone, son," Mr. Shinoda said cheerfully. "How old is she?"

Mike decided it would be best if he didn't tell his parents the truth. They might disapprove of a relationship with an underage girl.

"Well, she's... 18 and her name is Nika... But she's in Poland now..." he added, avoiding his parents' gaze. "

That's wonderful! Maybe you'll invite her to our place for the last few days of the holidays, eh?" Mrs. Shinoda asked, winking at her husband.

"Ohhh..." Mike blurted out, "Yes, I'd love to..."

He called her that evening and told her everything. She was very happy. She was returning to America a week before school started, so it was a good thing. She'd basically told her parents she'd be staying with a friend because she hadn't seen her in so long... They agreed. Work and career were the only things that mattered to them. That was why Nika had once been a drug addict... Mike didn't understand. Nika had come to him as planned. Mike's father was gone. He was going abroad to work, returning only on weekends. His mother, on the other hand, warmly and pleasantly welcomed her home.

"You have no idea how happy I am that you can be here for three days," Mike said as they entered his room. He pulled her close and pressed his cheek to hers.

"Mmm..." she murmured and hugged her tightly. "You have a beautiful home," she added, looking around the room.

They sat across from each other and talked about how bored they each were over the holidays. Suddenly, Nika's cell phone rang.

"Yes?" she asked. "Ah... Hi, honey. Yes, I know, I'm not home... Well, I'm at Mike's for three days now... Yes, at Mike's. What a question! Of course... Chaz, stop! No... Hi.

" "Chester?" Mike asked, taking her cell phone.

"Well..." she muttered, "He ruined my mood again... He's angry that I'm at your place...

" "Uh... Don't worry..." he comforted her. "Come on, let's play snowball fights!" he said, laughing and taking her hand. They had a good time these past few days. They were alone, they weren't seeing friends, and Mike's mom had grown fond of Nike. It was the last day, Nika was going home in the morning to get ready for her trip to Pasadena. It was one in the morning, and they were still talking nonsense, laughing at nothing.

"I feel like I'm high," Nika said, bursting into laughter. Mike suddenly became serious.

"Nika... Don't say that... You can't... You can't, I don't want to hear it," he said firmly, pulling her closer.

"Well... I know, but I'm not," she whispered directly into his ear, also becoming serious. Mike felt something warm reach his heart. She stuck out her tongue and touched his ear with the tip. He looked intently into her eyes and gently slid his hands under her blouse. He felt a piercing on her stomach.

"Do you have a belly piercing?" he asked quietly.

"Well... Do you want to see?" she asked innocently.

"I do," he replied, closing his eyes. To his great surprise, Nika took off her T-shirt. Hesitantly, he touched her naked body with his fingertips. He moved his hand from her back to her breasts and face. Her eyes were strangely mysterious, as if smiling. She laid her head on his chest and began gently playing with his blouse. After a moment, she was snuggling close to his strong, naked body. Mike lifted his head and noticed through the gap in the blinds that snow had begun to fall outside. He sighed quietly, smiling to himself. He looked at the delicate creature nestled against him. Did he love her? He began kissing her neck and stomach. And she didn't protest... She knew she wanted this now. With this person, at this very moment. Mike slid her pants down her hips. As he kissed and touched her, she felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She felt safe and relaxed. Everything happened slowly, without rushing. They simply understood each other without words. That night was perfect for both of them, and Nika began a new chapter in her life. A chapter written just for her and Mike. For no one else.

In the morning, she woke up in Mike's arms. A gentle smile played on her lips. Mike opened his eyes, revealing white teeth in a grin.

"Do you feel what I feel?" he whispered in her ear.

"Yes..." she replied, taking his hand. She traced it with the tip of her finger until a voice from downstairs announced that they could come down for breakfast if they wanted.

"Shall we go?" she asked, even though she knew the answer she'd get. Mike stroked her bare back.

"Forget it," he said with a smile, diving under the covers and kissing her stomach. Nika laughed, running her fingers through his disheveled hair.

Mike's mother noticed her son's strange expression when he and Nika came down for breakfast. They kept looking at each other, constantly looking away to avoid bursting into laughter. They winked at each other and smiled mysteriously. It was a bit unnerving, but she didn't let on that anything was wrong. Mike said goodbye to the girl profusely, and she said goodbye to Mrs. Shinoda, thanking him for staying.

"Mike... You're so strange," she said as her son entered the kitchen.

"Me? No..." he said, heading to his room. Suddenly, his mother heard a loud noise and hurried into the hallway. Mike lay laughing in the middle of the room.

"Son... Have you gone crazy here?" she asked fearfully. Mike got up and stomped on the shoe he'd tripped over as hard as he could.

"I didn't... I just fell over that damn thing," he said, still giggling. Mrs. Shinoda shrugged and returned to the kitchen. She'd never seen Mike like this.

They'd only just met in Pasadena. Nika had come with Chaz, Sam, and the others, and Mike with Joe. Chaz was a little scowling. He couldn't believe she'd gone to Mike's for three days! He hadn't said anything about their relationship, was nice to Mike, and only constantly criticized Nika. The beginning of January was shaping up quite well. Samantha was having a New Year's Eve party at her dorm, and everyone was invited. The day before, Nika had been pale and quiet. Chaz noticed it immediately.

"Nika, what's going on?" he asked in the morning, sitting down next to her. She looked at him with expressionless eyes and pursed her lips. "

I don't feel well..." she muttered. "I feel like throwing up...

" "Maybe it's a remnant of the addiction, hmm?" Chaz asked, watching her closely.

"Mmm... I guess so..." she managed to choke out, feeling something rising in her throat. She wasn't about to consider any other possibility... She had a feeling it would pass soon. And she wasn't wrong. When she went to Phoenix with Chaz, everything was fine. There, she pulled Mike aside and told him how she felt today... He became serious and a little scared. She was no less.

"Look, I'm over it... I hope it wasn't what I thought..." she said, sighing.

"No, definitely..." Mike comforted her. "Are we going to Sam's tomorrow?" he asked, his voice brighter.

"Of course," she said, turning her head. Chaz sat nearby, a dangerous glint in his eye.

"Oops..." she whispered, pointing at Chaz. Mike made a hopeful face.

They entered the apartment, and Chaz asked directly,

"Did you go to bed with him?" He was strangely calm. Nika remained silent, fiddling with her black watch. Her face was set.

"I'm listening," Chaz said menacingly.

"I don't have to tell you that," she grumbled, still not looking up.

"You've changed," Chaz said quietly. "You always told me everything. Everything..."

"Chester..." she said, looking up. "I... Yes," she managed. He nodded.

"No consequences... No common sense..." He paced back and forth. "

Please, don't tell me what I can and can't do!" she said, narrowing her eyes.

"Nika, honey... You're not of age, remember," he said sadly. "And I'm not doing this out of malice, you know I understand you like no one else..."

She looked him in the eye. She pursed her lips and said,

"Chazy, Chaz, I'm sorry..." and hugged her friend tightly. He patted her back soothingly.

After New Year's Eve, everyone slept until about 3:00 PM... Nika and Chaz returned at 6:00 AM... The rest of them did the same... They learned that Sam's kennel was organizing a week-long trip to the lake, and of course, they all wanted to go. But that wouldn't be until spring... Now Mike was racking his brains to pass five theory tests and then three graphics tests... Things weren't looking rosy. One evening, he walked into the apartment after just such a hard day. He threw his keys on the table and took off his jacket. He hadn't seen Nika today... Just as he thought about it, his cell phone rang. He saw Chester on the screen.

"Yes?" he asked, sitting down.

"Mike? Damn... I have a serious problem... I never thought something like this would happen to me again... I have no idea how to tell you this... You have to come..." Chester stuttered, his voice trembling

. "But what's the matter?" Mike asked, concerned.

"Oh... Well... God... Nika's lying next to me, drugged out unconscious," Chaz choked out in a terrified voice.

"What? What? Whaaat?" Mike was in shock. "Wait," he said, and ran outside.

Mike couldn't believe it... He sat with Chaz on the edge of the bed, staring at Nike, who had finally fallen asleep after an hour of driving. Chaz buried his face in his hands.

"God... She came in and I knew immediately something was wrong..." he began to explain quietly to Mike. "The moment I looked at her, I knew everything... Her eyes were blurry, she could barely stand... I don't know... Where, when, or how... I couldn't talk to her. I have to question her tomorrow. But that's impossible..." he shook his head, rubbing his eyes. He was close to depression. They sat like that for nearly two hours. At 11:30 PM, Mike went home, his mind full of thoughts. He was close to tears. He went into his apartment and threw himself on the bed. His head was spinning; nothing mattered. How could she do this?

In the morning, he'd rushed like a madman to Chaz's. He didn't have a place to stay at that moment. Only one thing mattered.

He rang the doorbell. Chaz answered with a grave expression. He showed him to a room. Mike entered hesitantly. Nika sat in the middle, her head on her knee, rocking back and forth. Only her eyes showed him that she was greeting him. Mike looked disappointed. He sat down across from her, next to Chester. She glanced from one to the other with obvious fear.

"I'm listening," Chaz said almost calmly. She continued rocking back and forth. There were dark circles under her eyes. Tears suddenly welled up in them. She didn't say a word.

"Nika... I'm not joking... Tell me," Chaz insisted. Then she stood up, grabbed her jacket, and ran out.

"Nika!" Mike shouted, but to no avail. Chester looked at him helplessly.

"We'll wait," he whispered, taking off his glasses.

Mike didn't go to the kennel. Joe was angry, but when he learned what had happened, he broke down just like them. All three of them were waiting for her. She returned around 4:00 p.m. High. Mike buried his face in his hands.

"We're back to square one..." Joe said, looking at her intently. Chester was holding back his anger and tears. He couldn't believe it. Mike and Joe dragged themselves back to their respective homes. Neither of them said a word.

"Dude... Hang in there!" Joe said as he walked him to the door. Mike gave him a sad look and disappeared through the doorway. Yes, Joe was right... They were back to square one...

It was certain. Nika was back on drugs. Mike talked to her whenever he could. She was seeing a psychologist again, getting treatment... He took her for days at a time, which kept her off drugs. But the next day, the same thing happened again... Spring came, and practically all of Pasadena knew about Sam's departure. Many people had signed up for the trip. Because it was warm, they could sleep in tents. Of course, Chaz's whole gang was going. He hoped Nika wouldn't take a single drug that week. It was possible... It took a lot of faith. They hadn't been driving long, after all, there was a nearby lake. About 50 km. They slept in tents. Nika felt pretty good. Leaving Pasadena seemed to have lifted her spirits... But it was only a week

. "Well... Nika, you're in the tent with me," Chaz said, taking her hand. "Sam's with a friend..." "

Are you crazy?" she shouted, stopping abruptly. "I'm with Mike!"

"No, you're not!" Chaz said sharply. Nika was glad Mike wasn't there. Chester shook his head and simply looked after the retreating figure of the girl in combat boots.

Nika found Mike... talking to another girl! This surprised her, as she knew how Mike and the other girls were doing.

"Uh... Hi," Nika said shyly. "Mike, I need to talk to you... But don't worry, I can wait..." she said, smiling at the girl. She looked away without returning the smile. Nika shrugged.

"Okay... Maybe we can talk later?" Mike asked the girl. "And by the way, this is Nika, my girl," he added, grinning broadly. "Nika, this is Tibby, my friend from the shack."

Tibby reluctantly shook Nika's hand. It was obvious she couldn't stand her in the slightest. Nika barely restrained herself from slamming her. She snuggled up to Mike and, brazenly, right in front of Tibby, slipped her tongue into his mouth and began showering him with passionate kisses. Mike couldn't resist. Tibby's lips were a thin line and her eyes were sparkling. Finally, Mike gently pushed Nika away.

"Uh... Yeah... I guess we'll see you at the bonfire tonight..." he said, biting his lip.

"Yeah... See you then, Mike." She winked at him and headed toward the small bar at the edge of the campsite. Nika snorted.

"Viper," she hissed, "She's hitting on you...

" Mike laughed.

"Don't get so worked up, honey... And how are you feeling?" he asked, still hugging her. "You know you're fighting that filth..."

Nika's face softened.

"Yeah, I know... But listen... Chaz won't let me sleep in the tent with you, so we'll have to get away from him somehow..." Her face brightened immediately, and Mike winked at her. He took her hand, and they walked to the edge of the lake, where they clung to each other, gazing at the smooth surface of the water.

Tibby was practically running. She had to talk to Anna as quickly as possible. After all, they'd only come here for one reason...

"Anna! I'll absolutely kill that bitch! Seriously, I'll lose my temper and strangle her." Tibby shuffled into the tent. "She's got those eyes," and she started making out with him right in front of me... Can you believe it?"

Ann nodded sadly.

"I'll believe it, because she's his girlfriend... And it would be nice if they just kissed..." she said with an expert tone.

"Shhh... Exactly..." Tibby pulled her backpack closer. "How can I discourage him from her?"

"If he really loves her, we can dream..." the brunette replied.

"We're living in dreams anyway... Don't you think so?" Suddenly they heard screams and hysterical laughter. They went outside. Joe was splashing in the water, and Chester was standing over him, laughing. Next to him, Mike was lying there, punching the ground with his fist, clearly choking on laughter. Samantha was beside him, also laughing like crazy.

"I know..." Anna whispered at the sight.

"What?" Tibb asked, following Mike's every move.

"We have to sneak into their group, and then..." Anna narrowed her eyes, and Tibb's own lit up with malicious glee.

Tibby and Anna were constantly looking for an excuse to be as close to Mike as possible. They'd gone so far as to start following him everywhere they could... The fire was late, the glow and heat bathed the faces of those sitting around it. Nika, snuggled up against Mike, closed her eyes, and he watched the flames intently. Chaz was talking quietly to Sam, and Joe and Phoenix were hitting on girls. And outside the circle of light, two girls sat and looked glumly at the brunette, who was tenderly embracing his beloved.

"I can't stand it any longer..." Tibb hissed, standing up. Anna tugged at her sweatshirt. "

Stop it! You can't do anything... He's the man of my dreams..." Anna was resigned. Tibb shook her head angrily.

Nika opened her eyes and felt her stomach twist. A wave of heat ran through her from head to toe. She shuddered and stood up. She felt dizzy.

"Nika? Are you feeling sick?" Mike looked at her carefully. She nodded. "

I'll be right back... I don't feel well..." she said weakly.

"I'm coming with you," the brunette said, taking her arm.

"No... I... I have to go to the bathroom," she said, and left. Mike trusted her. He begged her, and trusted her. But he wasn't sure about her at that moment. He knew she wouldn't be exposed to drugs here. At least that's what he thought...

Nika couldn't handle it. And she would disappoint everyone again... Mike, Chaz... She had seen those sad faces before, anger mixed with despair... But now she felt the feeling that always accompanied her... If she doesn't take it, she'll die... Her muscles ached, her mind racing with stupid and pointless thoughts... She ran across the empty field to the last tent. She unzipped it and went inside. "

I've been waiting for you, honey," a male voice said. "Here, here's what you wanted... But you don't look so good, you know?" "Stop it

, Scott," she retorted and left. A moment later, she felt warm. She didn't take it because she wanted to. She already knew that. She took it to avoid the pain. At first, it was always nice. Everything just seemed so distant. Something was spinning pleasantly in her head, her legs were carrying her on their own. She loved the whole world. And then... But for now, she didn't want to think... She went to the lake... The sun was shining so beautifully... She stood by the shore and looked at the calm water. It sparkled beautifully and was so warm... She wanted to get into that cool water. She took a step toward the shore. Her legs felt a pleasant tingling. Suddenly, she felt someone grab her hand. She didn't make much contact.

"The sun is shining beautifully, isn't it?" she muttered. A voice reached her ears, but it sounded muddy.

"Sunshine? Nika, honey... It's evening, why did you do that..." She felt someone pressing a tear-stained cheek to her face. Why was that person crying? It was so much fun... She felt dizzy and fell to the ground.

She woke up with a feeling of pain and a worse kind of hangover. She looked up at the canvas roof of the tent. The sun was already high in the sky. She turned her head slightly and saw Chaz beside her, still asleep. She sat up and took a small mirror from her backpack. She looked terrible. Dark circles under her eyes, pale, her vision blurred. She lowered her head. This was her life... She was ruining it for herself and her loved ones. Every day she felt like a miserable worm. She felt weak and clumsy. And Mike... She had this guy... A guy who was sweet, sensitive, caring, and every girl would want him. And he was faithful to her, this stupid teenage junkie who was ruining his life with her problems. She lifted her head and her gaze fell on the face of the boy with the lip ring... He had done so much for her, helped her, and he wanted to get her out of this... And she was causing him pain after pain... She snorted to herself with contempt. She left the tent and decided to swim in the lake. The cool air woke her tired face. Despite the chill, she walked along the shore, shed her pants, shoes, and blouse, and then plunged into the water. She wanted to wash away what she was soaked in. All the fatigue, addiction, and helplessness. Suddenly, she heard a rustling sound. She narrowed her eyes and a moment later screamed.

"Mike! It's you!" she said, emerging from the water. Mike's eyes widened at the sight of his girlfriend outside in her underwear at 6:30 a.m.

"Yes... I saw you, and I brought you this," he said quietly, handing her a towel. "You're terribly thin," he added, wrapping her in the towel. She nodded sadly.

"Mike... I need to talk to you." She made a drastic decision in a split second, and tears welled up in her eyes.

"Nika? What's going on?" he asked, deeply concerned.

"Mike... I've been thinking a lot today and I... I don't deserve you..." she burst into loud sobs.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, grabbing her hand again as if he was afraid she would leave.

"Mike... You're so sweet, gorgeous, and wonderful... So perfect... You should have a normal girlfriend... I can't keep you around anymore... You're sweet... Mike, go away, leave me forever. Don't waste your life, I'm begging you..." she sobbed hysterically. Mike shook his head angrily.

"What the fuck are you talking about? How can you say that? Nika!" Mike was shocked. "Nika... I won't leave you... I'll do anything to get you out of this. But please, don't let me down...

" "Exactly... I can't... You're living in stress because of me. I don't deserve..." Mike said nothing and started kissing her. Tears began to flow from his eyes. He couldn't control them. He wanted her so badly, he wouldn't let her go... Even if she meant he was constantly worried. His firm resolve to help her didn't waver even in that moment. He kept kissing her, their tears mingling... He didn't suspect it was love...

Chester woke up and panicked when he realized Niki wasn't next to him. He rushed outside and headed for the navy blue tent nearby. The zipper was unzipped. Chaz peeked in and was surprised to find it empty. He glanced around the campsite and decided to go somewhere else. In the garden of a small bar sat a dark-haired boy, and right next to him was a girl wearing a headband.

"Gotcha!" Chester whispered and ran up to them. He sat down next to Niki, who looked at him fearfully, pushing her breakfast plate away. Mike started making strange faces at Chaz, but Chaz didn't understand what he meant. He glared at Niki and shook his head. He hugged her, and Mike breathed a sigh of relief. She went to return the plate, and Mike pulled Chaz's hand.

"Don't tell her off, please! I've already talked to her, she's in a serious mental state... And you know that..." Mike lowered his gaze. Chester looked at him carefully. He seemed to be talking to him normally, but still...

"Yeah, I know... Oh well... I just don't know how to help her anymore... I'm starting to lose my strength. She'll never stop. Death awaits her, just like hundreds of thousands of other drug addicts around the world..." Chester didn't hide his resignation. "

Stop it!" Mike hissed. "She'll pull through..."

"Do you believe it?" he asked sadly, falling silent as Nika approached.

Nika had been driving for two days without taking any drugs. She even felt pretty good, which surprised her... Mike was watching her every step of the way. If not him, then Chaz or one of the guys from their group. They were all sitting by the lake when suddenly Mike's cell phone rang. Mike answered.

"Excuse me?" he said in a lazy voice, watching the sun wash over his friends' backs.

"Mike, man! It's Brad!" he heard.

"Brad!!!" Mike jumped up, making everyone look at him like he was crazy.

"Yeah!" Listen, are you at the lake? You were supposed to be there... It's the weekend, you know..." Brad was thrilled.

"Yay! You want to come? Of course! It'll be awesome!" Mike ran back and forth, waving his phone.

"Well... Rob and I will be there tomorrow morning. We'll bring our tent and it'll be fun..." came the cheerful reply.

"Great! I'll be waiting! See you later!" the brunette said, hanging up. The whole gang knew what was going on. Chester was also happy; he was finally going to meet these musical geniuses... Phoenix thought he'd find a kindred spirit in Brad. After all, two guitars are better than one...

The boys arrived with their bundles, and Mike launched himself at them with a mighty vengeance. All three were laughing and shouting. The whole gang helped them set up their tent, and they quickly became acquainted. But someone was missing... Nika emerged from the tent at the sound of the shouting, gently brushing back the hair that had fallen into her eyes. Amid the shouting, no one noticed her arrival, only Rob looked at her in surprise. Her eyes widened. The boy had a long face with delicate features. His eyes seemed closed and different. The same goatee as Mike's. His black hair gleamed in the sun... His hair fell into her eyes again. Rob smiled uncertainly and stood up. He walked over to Nika and extended his hand. She smiled back, but suddenly Mike stood beside her, grinning.

"Oh yes! This is Nika, my girlfriend," Mike made an encouraging gesture. Nika could have sworn an imperceptible shadow passed over Rob's face, something only she could see.

"Rob," he said, squeezing her hand. She felt the touch of long, delicate fingers. She lowered her eyes under his gaze. He turned his head to Mike, releasing her hand. Mike beamed. "

I'm really, really glad you came! It's just a shame we don't have the equipment yet..." he said, and Chester sighed.

"Yeah, too bad, too bad," he said, tying the rope to the tent. They all went to get sandwiches and ate them, talking the whole time. Brad and Dave had a fascinating conversation about bass guitars. Mike asked Rob about everything. Nika and Sam, fed up with the chatter, went for a walk to the lake. Nika forgot one nagging thought. In the evening, as always, there was a bonfire. This time, Chaz's group was louder and more cheerful than usual. Around 1 a.m., everyone retired to their tents. The bonfire was still dimly glowing. Nika sat lost in thought.

"Aren't you going to bed?" – Mike asked, kissing her forehead. He was completely sober, unlike Chester…

– Well, I'll be right over… – she replied, rubbing her eyes. And then she noticed a cell phone on the bench. She picked it up.

– Isn't that Rob's by any chance? – she asked, showing it to Mike.

– Yes… Indeed… – he replied. –

I'll take it back to him… And I'll come to you – came the cryptic reply, and she was gone.

A light was on in the tent. Nika went over and looked in. Rob was sitting with a flashlight, clearly searching for something.

– If it's Brad, I'll gut him… – he muttered, emptying the contents of his backpack. Nika laughed, and Rob flinched.

– Are you looking for something? – she asked, handing him the cell phone. – You left it on the bench…

– Oh, thank you, you're a sweetheart! – he exclaimed, pulling her into the tent. – So I'm Rob – he said brightly.

– Heh… I know… Where's Brad? – she asked, sitting down opposite him.

"He went to the bar... One in the morning..." he said, raising his eyes to the sky. They struck up a pleasant conversation. Fifteen minutes passed, and then Nika got up.

"Well, I'm off... I have to run because Mike's probably worried... See you in the morning!" she said and left.

"Bye!" Rob said, watching her go.

Nika rushed into Mike's tent. She threw her arms around his neck and slipped her tongue into his mouth. Mike closed his eyes, sighing.

"Shouldn't you be asleep already? What if Chaz finds out what we're doing here..." he said with difficulty.

"He's asleep... What are we doing? Nothing yet..." she whispered, and Mike hooked his fingers in her pants.

"For now?" he replied, kissing Nika more and more erratically.

"No, not anymore..." came the reply, and Nika's fingers began gently unbuttoning his black shirt...

Chaz woke up with a terrible hangover. He'd overdone it a bit the night before... He shook himself and wasn't even surprised that Nika was gone. After all, it was 10:00... He was sure she was up already... He shuffled out of the tent and approached the laughing group. Everyone greeted him effusively.

"Where's Nika?" he asked, yawning. He noticed that Mike wasn't there either. "She

's probably hanging out with Mike in the tent," Brad said with a laugh. Chaz was chilled.

"What are you..." he said casually, but already heading towards the navy blue tent.

"Well... Does she always sleep with him?" Brad said, yawning. Chester shrugged and was gone. He surveyed the field and peered into the tent. Nika was curled up against Mike, who had his hand on her buttocks. They were both fast asleep. Chester counted to ten and calmed down a bit. But after a moment, his anger rose again.

"Get up, damn it," he yelled, silencing the voices outside. Mike slowly opened his eyes, and Nika stretched.

"Oh Chaz..." she muttered uncertainly. Chester twisted his lips and left.

"Oops," Mike muttered, bursting into laughter. They went outside, nudging each other. "

How long have they been together?" Rob asked, watching them carefully. Samantha brushed back her hair.

"November? Something like that..." she replied without enthusiasm. Rob rubbed his chin.

"Uh-huh," he muttered, lying down on the grass.

Mike watched Nika carefully. She'd been off drugs for five days, and hope had once again filled him... And not just him... Even though the girl was temperamental and irritable, he was happy. He kept visualizing Rob and Brad's faces when he'd revealed Nika was a drug addict... Both were surprised and shocked... Everyone had had a great time, but it was time to go back. Back to the shack and the monotony. But May arrived, and you could already feel the approaching holidays...

Chester sat in the kitchen, finishing a glass of juice. He was taking exams necessary to graduate. It was his senior year, after all. Nika came into the apartment. She wasn't high, which Chaz was relieved to see. She was still using.

"Honey, you're finally here..." he said to her as she entered the kitchen.

"And I'm so tired," she said, yawning. "I'm going to bed now because I don't think I can stand it...

" "Me too..." Chaz said, throwing the glass into the sink. He went, bathed, and slipped under the covers.

"Are you sleeping?" he whispered to Nike, who turned to face him.

"No..." she replied, smiling in the darkness. Chaz moved closer to her and sighed. "I can't sleep lately..."

Nika said nothing, just kissed him on the cheek. Neither of them had time to realize when Chaz's tongue suddenly found its way into Nika's mouth. She gave her a strange look but said nothing.

"Chester..." she whispered with a slight grimace, and suddenly she felt Chez's finger where it definitely shouldn't have been... She didn't protest when her shirt slipped to the floor, nor when Chester was on top of her. She let out a strangled moan and wrapped her arms tightly around the blonde's back, parting her lips so his tongue could find its way back inside.

In the morning, she woke up with a feeling of fear. She was panicked and terrified by what she'd done with Chester. She'd betrayed Mike! Chaz woke up, his face reflecting the same emotions as Nika's.

"Nika..." he whispered. "It was wonderful and yet stupid... This should never have happened...

" She nodded.

"This can never be revealed. Never!" she said with emphasis and fear.

"God, I cheated on Sam..." he whispered frantically, pacing back and forth. He couldn't believe how it had even happened. Nika was the closest person in the world to him, but he'd never thought of her as his girlfriend. Nika hadn't gone to the kennel. She felt terrible for Mike. When she'd met him that afternoon, she'd been strangely artificial. She simply couldn't live with something like that around the person she loved with all her heart. Coming home, she couldn't handle it.

"Nika? Again... Come on, honey," Chester said when she got home, completely dizzy. The meth had doubled her effect today.

She called Mike the next day. She confessed to him that she'd used it again.

"And Mike..." she added quickly, "I called my parents... They said I wouldn't be coming back to Pasadena after this summer because Chaz was graduating and I was moving back with him...

" "What? How is that possible?" he asked nervously. "

I know, I feel terrible about it... We'll talk tomorrow, honey. Bye," she said sluggishly.

"Bye," came the reply. Nika hung up and looked at Chaz.

"I felt bad about Sam today, you know?" he said, his head down.

"Mhm... And I felt bad about Mike..." She sat down next to him. He hugged her, but Nika angrily pulled away and went to the bathroom.

June arrived, the days were getting hotter. The holidays were already taking their toll on everyone. Everyone was looking forward to two months of rest. Chaz had passed his exams well, graduated from school. He wanted to find a good job in Los Angeles... A few also knew a little about their plans for the near future... Sam and Chaz wanted to get married. The end of the year had arrived! Joe and Mike had finished the year with good grades, which pleased them. Nika was sitting on a park bench across from Mike's school. She was waiting for him. For him to get all his things from his locker and come to her. Leaning back on the bench, she thought with her head tilted back... She still felt like she'd lied to Mike. There shouldn't be secrets in a real relationship. And she had one, and a terrible one at that... Now she couldn't imagine how she could have done it. And Chester felt quite guilty... He couldn't have anything to do with Mike and Nika's relationship anymore. And he felt so terrible... About Sam, Mike, and Nika. Her thoughts were interrupted by a brunette who ran up to her with a smile.

"I'm here, come on, I can't look at this place anymore," he said, then grabbed her hand and they headed towards the center.

"A fool always gets lucky," a blonde hissed, watching the whole scene with her friend.

"Yes, Tibb... You're right," the brunette replied, getting up and looking in the mirror.

Nika was packing her things into a large bag. Mike was sitting on the floor, following her with sad eyes.

"Mike... Please don't look like that. I'm sad too that we won't see each other for a month and a half..." she said, approaching him and cupping his face in her hands.

"God, Nika... It's been a long time! I think I'm going to break down..." he said, playing with his leather belt.

Suddenly, Chester and Joe burst into the apartment. They were yelling loudly.

"Damn it, Chaz! Do you know how much you've hurt me?" – Joe shouted, close to tears

. – Don't exaggerate... How could you… – he started loudly, but the Korean interrupted him.

– How could you, you sick bastard! You sadistic prick! – Joe flew into a rage.

– Get a grip! You're crazy! How can you make such a big deal about me accidentally ripping off your frog's head! – Chester flew into the room.

– That was my beloved frog! I always loved it so much, and you… You… You ripped off its head! – Joe burst into tears.

– Joseph Hahn! That's a stupid stuffed animal! Calm down! I'll buy you a new one! – Chaz shouted, furious.

– No! Nothing will replace Kermit! You have no feelings… You're awful! – Joe threw himself into the armchair, and Mike couldn't hold it back anymore and burst out laughing.

– What are you laughing at, you idiot?! – Joe scolded him. Mike tried to stifle his laughter. Chaz rolled his eyes heavenward. Only Nika remained expressionless. She didn't want to leave Mike...

They all arrived in Los Angeles together, and Mike and Chester drove her to the airport.

"Honey... I'm going to miss you so much!" Mike said, starting to kiss her. Chester was calm. After five minutes, he couldn't take it

anymore. "How much longer are you going to kiss each other, huh?" he growled, angrily. Mike pulled away from her.

"Bye," he whispered, and she waved goodbye. Nika hugged Chester as she said goodbye. She no longer knew what connected her to this man...

Mike sat in front of the house, sketching the girl's face. He was meticulous, committing every detail he remembered to paper. He looked at the finished work. The wind blew the girl's hair, and his eyes showed complete astonishment...

"Yo, Mike!" he suddenly heard a familiar voice. He looked up from his drawing.

"Rob!" he exclaimed, stepping out to meet his friend. He hugged him and led him into the cool house where Mrs. Shinoda was reading the newspaper.

"Good morning," Rob said politely, and without waiting for a reply, he and Mike ran up the stairs to his room.

"Well, man, how are you feeling?" Rob asked, taking a photo of a smiling Nika from the desk and examining it carefully.

"Well, so-so..." Mike said, sitting down on the bed.

"Well, tomorrow's the summer party at Brad's, and of course you have to be there as our best friend and our best MC... We'll put on a little show and then party until the morning. What do you think?" Rob asked cheerfully, setting the photo aside.

"Well..." Mike said reluctantly. "But what's this...

" "A party without my girl? Right?" Rob interrupted

. "Exactly," Mike confirmed emphatically, stretching out on the bed.

"Bro, chill out! She'll be here soon and you need to have some fun now... Call her and it'll be alright!" his friend concluded. "Now come on... Skateboard!"

Mike jumped up. Indeed, it was time to get back to the old days. They ran like madmen down the stairs, pushing each other and laughing maniacally. They ran outside with the boards. Mike pushed himself off, feeling the warm wind hit his face. He took a good Nollie and decided that life wasn't so bad...

After the promised party, Mike woke up with slightly blurry vision. His mother hadn't waited until he returned at 3 a.m., thoroughly tipsy. He'd had a great time, that's true... But he was surprised to see Tibby. Only later did Rob explain that he and Brad had met them on that trip, and everything made sense. He hadn't known she lived in Los Angeles either... He finally dragged himself out of bed. It was around 12 p.m. He felt a little dizzy, but he'd gotten what he wanted... Actually, he and Chaz had gotten so drunk. He was a great guy! Mike smiled and slowly made his way down to the kitchen. His mother wasn't there. He knew she'd gone to his aunt's. He sat down with a bowl of cereal in front of the TV when the phone suddenly rang. The sound resonated a hundred times louder in his aching head.

"Shit!" he screamed and reached for the receiver.

"Mike! I'm calling and calling!" he heard Niki's voice. "It's already evening here!"

"Nika, honey!" Mike perked up. "I was asleep and Mom's gone. Of course, Dad's away and my brother's not coming back until next week...

" "Aha... Well, first thing I'll tell you is, I'm coming back in three weeks!" Her voice was pure joy.

"That's awesome!" Mike jumped up. They talked for 10 minutes. Mike was in a great mood. And his head even hurt less. He was eagerly waiting for the three weeks to pass. During that time, he'd been hanging out with Joe, Chaz, Brad, and Rob. Sometimes Sam was with them too. Mike even met Tibb once, whom he really liked... And they even started playing. They liked it, and their friends did too. He was waiting for Nike. But the day before she was supposed to arrive, she called and said her arrival would be a bit delayed and she'd be back in five days. She promised she'd explain everything when they saw each other. Mike came to rehearsal the second day.

"Yo, guys! How's it going?" – he yelled in greeting.

"Hey Mike! Rob's not here today and I don't think he'll be back... He called," Joe said, fumbling with the microphone.

"Great..." Mike said, disappointed. The next day, Rob didn't show up either, explaining that he was going to his sister's for the day. There was no point in even going to see him...

Mike had been smiling since morning. Nika was arriving today... His cell phone rang.

"Nika? What time are you arriving?" he asked, recognizing her voice.

"Mike... I'm already in Los Angeles..." she began strangely. He didn't like the way she spoke.

"So where are you?" he asked.

"I can't meet you until 5:00 PM... I'm sorry..." she said, and Mike felt that something terrible had happened.

"Okay... Never mind... See you," he said and hung up the phone. He waited anxiously until 5:00 PM... He left the house and smiled broadly as soon as he saw her. She looked at him sadly. Mike's heart sank. His mind was a jumble of all sorts of thoughts... He approached her and tried to hug her tightly, but she pulled away.

"Nika..." he whispered fearfully.

"Sit down, we need to talk..." she said, pointing to the bench. She lowered her head.

"Mike, I..." she gasped loudly. "I don't know how to tell you this..."

Mike's heart leapt into his throat.

"Speak," he said as calmly as he could.

"Mike, I... I..." she stuttered horribly, twisting her fingers. "Mike, I... I'm with Rob..."

Tears fell from her eyes. Mike seemed to misunderstand.

"What?" he whispered. He felt something collapse... He felt like he couldn't breathe... Something was choking him hard around the neck.

"I've been in Los Angeles for a week and a half, just... Oh, Mike..." Tears were dripping profusely from her eyes. Mike was silent. He felt the world around him was unreal. He couldn't open his mouth. He didn't say a word. He felt like a plant.

"I wanted to surprise you and I came here a long time ago... But I wasn't sure if I wanted to meet you, and I just ran into Rob on the street... He said you weren't home because you'd gone out of town with your mother... And I had nothing to do, so I went to his place for a drink... I decided I was starting to like him, but I kept thinking about you and only you. We talked, really, just like that, and I don't know... How... And I went to bed with him," she burst into loud sobs. Mike was silent, pondering which death would hurt more... Hanging himself or throwing himself in front of a train...

"And I'm with him... But I feel so bad, Mike, so bad... Because you're loved, and I hurt you so much..." she sobbed. "I'm a whore and I'm empty... Say it to my face... Please," she said, lifting her head.

"You're not..." Mike muttered, and she sobbed even louder. "Don't you feel anything for me?" he asked very quietly. She lowered her head.

"Aha..." he said, tears welling up in his eyes. He stood up. He couldn't stand any longer. He shoved his hands in his pockets and trudged toward the beach. Nika stood up. She wanted to call out to him, but her voice refused to obey. She sat down and cried. She sat there for two hours, then went home feeling terrible... She wanted to end it all. She had treated Mike so terribly... But she didn't want to do anything against her will. She felt she wouldn't get out of this hole for a long time.

My dear star...

I want you to know that I've always loved you, I love you, and I will always love you... I'll never forget the moments we spent together. This is something I'll never forget for the rest of my life. I'll never forget you... I'll never forget those kisses, hugs, and conversations. Because these are moments I don't regret at all... I want to tell you that they were simply wonderful moments... You're an extraordinary girl who heals every wound. But you'll never heal this one... I care about your happiness. If you're happy with Rob, stay with him until the end. You can always count on me. If you need help, come... I'll never forget you -

Mike.

Nika finished reading the tear-soaked letter she'd found under the door. Now it was wet with her tears too. She threw herself on the bed. She cried all night... She'd never met a man like him, and she knew she never would...

He couldn't believe it. He couldn't. He'd lost her. He'd lost her. He sat stunned on the edge of the bed, feeling cut off from reality. He heard dull crackling sounds, as if they were coming from a poorly tuned radio. The sounds were becoming more and more insistent.

"Mike! Mike, I know! Open up!"

But he sat with his head down. He felt nauseous. Something loud banged, and Brad entered the room. Mike didn't look up. His friend sat down and sighed.

"Dude," Brad whispered, putting his arm around him. They sat like that for half an hour, and Mike didn't speak once. He knew that if he did, he wouldn't be able to control his tears.

"Brother, I won't bother you... I see it's impossible to talk to you... I understand. I'll come by tomorrow. See you," Brad said, and headed for the door.

"Brad..." he heard a whisper. He turned away. "Thanks..." "

Okay. I'll come by tomorrow," he said, and left, his heart heavy. Mrs. Shinoda sat downstairs, looking sad. She knew what had happened.

"Tragic?" she asked quietly.

"Don't ask. I'll come by tomorrow." Goodbye," Brad said and went outside.

"Goodbye," Mike's mother replied, and after a moment's hesitation, she went upstairs.

She lay with wide eyes. She couldn't even cry anymore... A wet letter lay under the pillow.

"Nika! Nika, someone's for you!" a voice came from downstairs. Her eyes twitched and narrowed. A moment later, Rob, wearing a black cap, entered. He looked at her with those mysterious eyes and lay down next to her.

"What's wrong?" he asked. She handed him the wet piece of paper without a word. He read it carefully and placed the letter on the dresser. He leaned over her. Her eyes moved from the ceiling to his face. He brought his lips to hers and kissed her gently. He looked intently into her eyes.

"Have you been on drugs?" he asked again. She nodded. He brushed her hair back from her face. He shook his head and fell back onto the pillows.

Brad was furious. He'd been to Rob's, but he wasn't there. He skated over to Nika's. He knew she'd be there, and he wasn't wrong. He went upstairs. They lay there, staring at the ceiling. Rob jumped up at the sight of him.

"Dude! Where were you?" he asked, approaching him. Brad glared at him.

"Get out," he said. "I need to talk to that..." He gritted his teeth and pushed Rob out the door. Nika stood up.

"Listen, bitch," he began sharply, but she narrowed her eyes. "What do you think? Do you know how he feels? Pray he doesn't commit suicide..."

Her expression softened. Tears welled in her eyes. She lowered her head. Brad was unmoved.

"You're stupid and empty!" he hissed in her ear.

"I know..." she replied. He looked surprised. "I know... But I've never been like this... I've changed." "Now get lost," she said quietly. Brad left. When he was at the door, he said to Rob,

"How could you... Best friend..."

Chaz was furious. He'd already tolerated Nika and Mike's relationship, and she was pulling such a stunt on him. He went to her and they talked all night. She vented and spilled the beans. He didn't quite understand her... He didn't understand why she didn't want to be with Mike... She said she no longer felt anything for him, but why had he seen a picture of him in her wallet?

July 29th. Mike woke up with a realization that something was happening today. He became more depressed than he already was. Today was Nika's birthday... 16 years old... He lay there all day not knowing what to do with himself...

For the first time, Mike was happy that the holidays were over... He was glad to be leaving Los Angeles, to leave the people here behind. He'd packed earlier. A picture fell out of his backpack... He looked. Nika and him at some party. Both laughing, she snuggled up against him. He bit his lip and tore them off in cold blood.

"It's over," he said to himself aloud.

He went to Pasadena with Joe Tibby. She was now the only girl who knew a lot about him. Mike didn't notice that she was somehow less friends with Anna now... He'd completely cut off contact with Chester and his gang... He was still friends only with Brad. He couldn't look at Rob... He was afraid he might give him a good thrashing. September, October, November... Mike looked out the window, chewing on the end of his pencil. His gaze fell on the park strewn with leaves. Memories came flooding back... So pleasant, yet so hurtful... He left just before the bell rang, accompanied by Joe. They walked through the park, among the colorful leaves. Mike was despondent.

"Mike... I know you're thinking about her..." the Korean began.

"Not at all!" Mike denied, his gaze falling on the girl running in the distance.

"Mike! I see..." but Mike wasn't listening anymore because he stopped. Joe stopped too. In the distance, a girl in combat boots was running very fast. A black armband was visible in the distance, and three chains clinked rhythmically... Mike froze, and Joe pulled away just in time, as the girl bumped into Mike, sobbing hysterically.

Mike grabbed the girl by the shoulders and pulled her away. He looked at her carefully and whispered in a voice full of emotion,

"Nika? What are you doing here?"

Joe's lips moved soundlessly. After a moment, he lowered his hand and exhaled, shaking his head in disbelief. Mike was overcome with a great mixture of emotions. Anger, surprise, uncertainty, and a sudden lack of confidence... He didn't know what to do. After a moment of hesitation, he looked at Joe.

"Come on," he said quietly, and they walked silently to his apartment.

Nika entered and sat down on the carpet. Her lowered head spoke of despair. Joe didn't say anything, just sat down next to her, followed by Mike, who smelled the faint scent of lilac. Nika lifted her tearful face.

"I'm listening," Mike said rather coldly, and she burst into loud sobs.

"Mike, I..." she began, trying to control herself, "I came here to see you... You see, I was with Rob, but it couldn't happen because every day I woke up, I had your face in my head, wondering why you didn't kiss me goodnight last night..." Mike bit his lip and folded his arms.

"Then why did you hurt me so much? Why did you cause the most wonderful moments of my life to be so brutally interrupted... I was so happy being with you, and you ruined it even though... Well... You loved me..." he said angrily. "

I still love you..." she whispered, looking into his eyes. Mike looked away. "I broke up because I cheated on you... For the second time in my life..."

Joe raised his eyebrows, and Mike remained silent.

"I cheated on you once with Chester, but I didn't feel anything for him, and we both felt terrible guilt... And the second time... And I couldn't stand it anymore! With you!" she said quietly.

"So how can you love me when you've slept with someone else twice in our relationship... I can't trust you..." Mike said sadly.

"Bitch," Joe hissed angrily. "How could you?"

She just lowered her head again. Mike didn't react to that statement.

"You think I'll come back to you? After what you did to me?" he said directly into her ear. "You're wrong! Besides, I have a girlfriend... At first, I thought she was the one who was empty and gave herself to all the guys, but it turned out she can be faithful like no one else in the world! As for you, I was terribly wrong... I'm sorry, but I won't continue this conversation any longer. Goodbye!" he said with a heavy heart and stood up. He opened the door, and Nika stood behind it, looking at him with a sad, empty look. He would never forget that look for the rest of his life...

"Mike..." Joe began when Nika had left. "You did the right thing... She wasn't fair to you... She was never fair to you...

" "Yes..." Mike whispered, but that night he didn't close his eyes for a second.

Days passed, and Mike didn't see Nika. He was with Tibby, and he was happy. But he kept thinking about that girl in combat boots with whom he'd shared so many wonderful moments... Another Christmas came, and Mike was slowly forgetting... The morning before Christmas Eve, he received a phone call.

"Excuse me?" he said cheerfully. He loved the holidays.

"Mike? Hi... This is Chester Bennington..." Mike heard Chaz's trembling voice. He was surprised, because after breaking up with Nika, he hadn't wanted to be around anyone who might remind him of her...

"Chester? Hi..." he said, genuinely surprised.

"Mike, I don't know if you want to know about this, but in the end... You'll do whatever you want with this news..." Mike felt Chaz crying like a baby.

"Go on..." Mike encouraged.

"Oh... God... I don't know if I can get this down... So... Mike... Mike, Nika's dead..." he choked out. Mike felt a lack of oxygen. The phone fell from his hands... He couldn't see the world...

Later... A few years later...

He stood by the sea, staring at the setting sun. He listened intently to the sound of waves lapping gently against the shore. A gentle breeze washed over his face... In the orange sun, he saw the face of a girl with sad, empty eyes... The wind blew harder, and he felt as if someone were touching his lips, and then his back. He turned his head. There was no one there, of course... He felt again as if someone were playing with his fingers, stroking his cheek... It was just the wind... The wind brushed through his dark blue hair, and a girl's resonant laughter rang out... He felt her presence. She was touching him, playing with his fingers. He sighed, and an image of a girl who had died from exhaustion flashed before his eyes... A tear rolled down his cheek... He quickly wiped it away and whispered,

"I'm sorry..."

His thoughts scattered at the sound of a woman's voice.

"Mike, take Ellen...

" He turned and took his two-year-old daughter, who was laughing and waving her arms, into his arms.

"Is something wrong?" his wife asked, approaching and kissing her husband on the cheek.

"No, Tibb... It's okay..." he said, smiling and setting his daughter down. The three of them walked further down the beach into the setting sun. Suddenly, Mike stopped abruptly as the wind stopped, forming the figure of a girl with a headband, smiling sadly.

"Mike?" Tibby asked anxiously.

"No, I'm sorry... It's okay," he said, feeling the wind's hand intertwine with his fingers. He squeezed his hand gently but felt nothing... A melodic voice whispered in his ear:

"I love you..."

He turned, expecting Tibb, but she was left behind with Ellen. He raised his eyebrows, inhaling the scent of sea air. Out of nowhere, a faint scent of lilac appeared in his head...