Beneath his mask

“POV: Sophia”

I set my phone down beside me and stretched out on the bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling as I waited anxiously for Tyler’s call. My thoughts spun with memories—his smile, his voice, the way he used to look at me like I mattered.

There was no denying it—Tyler was charming. That perfect blend of athletic confidence and sweet-boy charm. We started dating in senior year of high school. I wasn’t the prettiest or the most popular. I was the quiet girl in the back, the one who rarely spoke up. But somehow, Tyler saw me. He made me feel... visible.

When we both got accepted into the same college, he said it was fate. On move-in day, we held hands and made promises to each other. In class, I sat in the second row, and he stayed in the back, passing me color-coded notes that made me blush. I’d glance over my shoulder, catch him blowing me kisses, and melt all over again. The teachers hated it, but we didn’t care.

At night, we’d sneak off to the city garden, looking, holding hands and checking for stars in the sky . On weekends, we picnicked in the open field.

But lately… something has changed.

Tyler was pulling away. He answered my texts later than usual. Barely picked up my calls When he did pick up, his voice was distant, cold, like I was just some stranger on his contact list. He kept skipping our dates. He forgot things we planned. And when I tried to find out what was wrong, he’d dismiss me with a word over some work he was busy with. I tried to steady myself , hoping I wasn't overthinking.

So I tried harder.

Brought him coffee during study nights, wore makeup I didn’t even like, laughed at jokes that weren’t funny.

I let things slide, even when he flirted with other girls or forgot our plans.

I loved him too much to give up.

All I ever wanted was to stay focused in school, graduate with honors. Land an internship. Make up for my humble background. And maybe marry the only boy I'd ever loved. The day flew by and he never called. Not once.

At the charity event at the Student Union. Music blared with lights flashing filling the arena. People laughed and danced in every corner. I wore a soft pink dress, a tiny fit heel with my hair tied into a neat bun. My glasses sat on my face in the usual nerdgirl way.

I arrived at the event, everyone looked stunning and active, drinks, coffee and punch seemed excessive. I looked around, observing. Suddenly my eyes caught Tyler standing under the lights. whispering into some girl’s ear, smiling, his hands roaming her waist as she giggled uncontrollably.

My heart clenched.

I hadn’t seen him since he bailed on our picnic.

I quickly dashed to the drink section, pulling out two cups and refilling each with coffee, his favorite was the iced- chocolates blend. A crowd of students mounted as I weaved through them, holding the two iced coffees in each hand, and made my way toward him, my hands trembling as I approached him.

“Hey! I called out as I reached him, exhaling sharply.

He turned, his expression going sour. “Hey Sophia”.

It hit me, for the first time since we started dating he called me by my name.

I waved it off with a smile. “ I’ve been trying to reach you….. you haven't been picking any of my calls or replying to my messa— “.

He cut me off. Turning to the girl beside him.

“Hey! Can you give me a moment?”

“Sure! She replied, heading off.

I picked up from where I was cut short. “What’s going on, Tyler?”

“Is everything okay?” I said, curious for a reply.

He looked annoyed. “Why? Do I not look okay?”

“N—No of course not, it’s just… you’ve been distant lately, and I—”

“I don’t need a babysitter, Sophia.” he cut in coldly.

“I’m not trying to be one Tyler.” I said gently.

“I’m your girlfriend. It’s normal to check in—”

He let out a dry chuckle. “Well, I guess you won't have to be any more”.

A flicker of confusion mounted my face. “ What do you mean?” I asked.

“Is something wrong?” I asked anxiously. Stepping closer.

He took a step back. “Yes! Everything is wrong. “You’re what’s wrong with me.” he growled.

My heart stopped.

“Gosh, “You’re too… clingy. Desperate. You don't know how to let go” .

I froze, unable to speak.

“Look at yourself”. He sneered. His eyes raked me up and down.

“This dress. Those glasses. Your entire vibe is just… awkward.” His voice grew louder as he teased my dress with the tip of his fingers in a mocking manner.

“I mean! Come on, have you ever checked out yourself.”

My cheeks burned.

“You’re embarrassing,” he continued.

“Your social life is a mess. You don’t hang out. You don’t party. Always buried in your books.”

“Tyler, please stop…y-you don't mean that”. my voice cracking.

“Oh! Of course I do!” His voice is louder now. People had started to stare.

“I ignored their stares, “please Tyler I still think we can work things out,” I whispered, trembling.

“I don't want to work things out”, he snapped. his tone growing louder. His voice caught back attention with everyone staring

He looked around casually like it was just another normal moment. Then he said, “I don't think I can keep up with this anymore.”

“With what?” I asked, anxiously.

He snapped at me. “With this relationship! He replied.

“I just don’t feel the same anymore.”

“Tyler please!,” I said. “Not here. Not like this.” Now it felt like half the campus was watching.

He laughed cruelly. “You mean in front of everyone?”

He gestured around. Phones were already out. People were recording.

My chest tightened. My eyes burned as I tried to hold back the tears. Their stare grew harder. Most started pulling out their phones and recording.

He nodded, “yeah! I can't put up with you anymore, you're boring now ”. he said, frowning nonchalantly.

Honestly? You were never even my type ”.

I just stood there, his words cutting deep.

“Don’t make this dramatic. Me. You. We’re done! Move on!”

I staggered. “What?”

“I said we’re done,” he repeated.

Then he turns around to leave.

I grabbed onto his arm.

“Tyler, please don't do this to me” tears welled up my eyes.

He ripped my hand off, the force of it sending me crashing to the floor. I stumbled back, then collapsed to the ground with a loud thud. The coffee I had been holding for a while now splattered all over my dress.

A gasp rippled through the crowd.

Whispers followed.

“She even brought him coffee. Cringe.”

“She’s pathetic.”

“She’s gonna be a meme. Just wait.”

My ears rang.

Someone in the back said, “Damn! This’ll go viral.”

Then, Tyler glared at me coldly. “Stay away from me, Don't call me. Don't text me.”

“We’re over! Done!” he shouted. And just turned his back, disappearing into the crowd without a second look.

Now the crowd was circling me, I straightened up, my head aching from the effect of the thud.

Slowly I managed to lift myself off the ground even though my knees were weak. Dusting of spills of coffee that stuck to my gown. Before my eyes scanned the crowd.

Some stood staring in pity. while some covered their mouth to cease their laughter. Others looked away like it hurt to witness.

My breath seems to cease. And tears blurred my vision.

Shame washed over me, I pushed myself up on shaky legs, dusting off my stained dress, Then I quickly moved, forcing my way through the crowd as they parted. Every eye followed me as I made my way towards the entrance. Tears began dripping down my chin, immediately I took off running.

Once outside, I ran.

Finally halting behind the school library—an old stone corner hidden from view. I dropped to the ground, curling in on myself, sobbing uncontrollably.

I could feel my chest heavy with pain as the tears poured. I couldn’t stop shaking.

My phone buzzed again and again with messages.

I didn’t care to check.

I took just one slight glance at one. They’d made me a meme.

“Sophia Carter: “Queen of desperation. Dumped!”

I dropped the phone, hugging my knees and sobbing harder.

I sat for a long time with my head bent. Refusing to move from the spot.

Then suddenly, the sharp scent of weed stung my nose.

I lifted my head, wiped my eyes, blinking through the blur. Trying to make sense of a tall, shadowy figure leaning against the stone wall nearby.

For a split second, panic surged through me.

I jerked upright in fear. “Who—who’s there?”