His name was Kellin. Kellin Bostwick. Just hearing his name roll off someone's tongue, or even my tongue, gave me butterflies. The way he brushed his hair out of his well structured face to revile his eyes, his smooth, soprano-like voice when he says my name or speaks to me, how it always sounded when he would sing along to my guitar solos, his awkward smile and laugh. It all made me melt.

I remember when he first moved to California and transferred to my school. He was so shy and quiet. You could totally tell he didn't fit in. Back then his hair wasn't as long as it was today. He kept his head down almost all the time. And there was always a distant look in his chocolate eyes. Like he was lost in memories or thoughts. He would wear torn skinny jeans and worn out Toms. His T-shirts or tank-tops were mostly too big for his small frame. He didn't really seem to care about his style. He was picked on, and now I regretted not standing up for him at first sight.

It was three years ago when he first moved here. I was just putting my own band together with my younger brother, Mike. We weren't popular at the time, but we didn't care. We loved playing. During that time, Mike was the "trouble maker" as you would call him. No one really messed with Mike. But I was picked on all the time. And I couldn't do anything about it.

After freshman year, I decided to change my style and image, hoping it will stop the bullying. I returned to school after summer break wearing skinny jeans, a Metallica shirt and a simple pair of classic Vans. During the last few months, my hair has grown longer. So I cut it in layers with my bangs swooped across my forehead.

No one messed with me after that.

I never had enough confidence to introduce myself to Kellin in our early high school years. I only watched him from afar. Sometimes I would catch him stealing hidden glances at me. But we didn't speak to each other.

Towards the end of our sophomore year, I finally had the courage to speak to him.

He was being pushed around by a couple of boys. They were snickering as they shoved Kellin against the lockers, taunting to fight back. But Kellin said and did nothing. I felt anger start to boil inside of me, seething more and more by the second.

I strode forward to confront them, fists clenched to the point where my knuckles were turning white.

The small group of bullies looked up when they heard my footsteps; there was a sneer on the lips of the one who had a grip on Kellin's shirt. The look in his eyes was a pure taunt, obviously wanting a fight. But he had a horrible stance.

I glanced at Kellin. He was still pressed against the lockers, hands to his sides with no sign of defending himself. He kept his head down, not looking up at me while I confronted the group.

I frowned and looked at the boy grabbing Kellin's shirt. I recognized him. His name was Jeremy Jaax. He was quite popular. Always getting the girls. He was also known as a heart breaker. But his blonde hair, blue eyes, pretty face and a jackass attitude still attracted the gals. I had no idea how.

Glaring at Jeremy, I growled, "Will you leave him alone?"

Right after those words rolled off my tongue Jeremy started laughing. The rest of the group hesitantly joined in. They were nothing but followers, thinking hanging around Jaax made them "cool".

It didn't.

"What'cha goin' to do about it?" He snickered, letting go of Kellin's shirt to face me. I could've sworn he breathed a quiet sigh of relief when he wasn't pinned anymore.

There was a mixture of emotions in Jaax's face. Taunting, angry, amused, snickering. And maybe doubt. I had no idea.

He was nothing but a low life to me. Anyone who thought picking on someone to make them feel bigger disgusted me.

When I focused on him I narrowed my eyes, trying to swallow my fury and clear the red, angry haze from my glare.

Right when Jaax was caught off guard, I raised my first, knuckles still white, and decked him right in the nose.

Everything was suddenly in slow motion. Right when I felt my hand collide with his face, adrenaline flooded over me like a tidal wave and soon triumph joined it.

I had to hold back a huge grin when Jeremy's ass hit the ground as the rest of his body followed. His little clique's jaws dropped and they quickly picked him back up. A small trickle of blood was running down his nose.

"You're lucky no teacher saw that." Jeremy spat, hatred burning in his blue eyes. He held his hand up to his nose, pinching the bridge to help stop the bleeding. "C'mon, guys." He growled, starting towards the junior's hall. The rest hurried after him.

I turned to Kellin, his eyes wide.

I awkward rubbed the back of my head. "Uh... You okay?"

Suddenly he grinned the biggest grin I've ever seen on his face. "Yeah dude."

We both laughed, giving each other a knuckle punch. "I'm Vic." I said.

"Name's Kellin."

That was the first time we've spoken to each other. The first time I've heard his voice and seen his smile.