DECISIONS

At the entrance to the building, he stopped. Rain was pouring outside, cascading in sheets. He stared at it, his face unreadable.

"Oh! I have an umbrella," the girl offered, holding it up with a hopeful smile. "We can share it, Josh."

Younger Josh turned to her, his expression cold and detached. "Only my friends get to call me Josh," he said bluntly. "And no, I don't want to share your umbrella. Thanks anyway."

The girl faltered, her smile fading. "I was just being nice since, well, you don't seem to have any friends in class," she said, her tone defensive.

Josh's eyes narrowed, his gaze cutting through her like ice. "If I wanted friends, I'd make an effort," he replied coolly.

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "You don't have to be so rude," she muttered, hugging her umbrella closer.

"Actually, I do," Josh said, his voice firm and unyielding. "People tend to mistake politeness for affection. I don't like you."