David

Your school was famous for its all-boys basketball team. Girls weren't allowed to play - there were no girls willing to play, and no coaches willing to spend time on it. The advantage was always with the boys: height, strength, potential. Most girls chose more gentle pursuits - dancing, embroidery, drawing. All this ordinariness was far from you.

David was the best basketball player in the school, the leader of the team that always took first place. He was known in all the schools, and each one dreamed of playing with his team. During training, the hall was full, especially with girls, who liked not his style of play, but his appearance and strength. You watched differently - at his movements and eyes, which revealed his thoughts. You were absorbed in the game.

After school, you walked past an empty playground. It was unusually quiet. The temptation was stronger - you decided to play a little. Your height was compensated by agility. You moved with grace, the ball seemed to be an extension of your body, playing to the rhythm, not by the rules. Turn - feint - throw. Not a single miss. You owned the game.

You didn't notice David watching you. He went out to get some water, but froze when he saw you. Every muscle in his body was tense, he was afraid to blink, lest he miss the sight. The hair, the movements, the eyes full of love for basketball - everything was drawing him in. When you took the last shot and turned around, he was still standing a few steps away, amazed.

• You... Why haven't I seen you before? - His voice sounded with notes of surprise, regret and joy at the same time.

You realized: you really impressed him. And now he regrets not meeting you earlier.