Bobby

Their story:

Ellie

• 15 years old, class president. — Red hair, braided into two neat braids. — Every break — in the library (dad works as a librarian, and books are a whole world for her). — He doesn't like sports. — Smart, collected, but if someone tries to anger her, she can hit or insult her with words.

Bobby

— 15 years old, captain of the school basketball team.

• Short dark brown hair, always covered with a hat. — He only dreamed about sports, and didn’t care about his studies—he knew how to cheat, how to get out of it. — But in the 6th grade everything changed. One day, he noticed a red-haired girl rushing into the library every recess. From then on, Bobby began going there more often. He pretended to read, but was actually watching her. He still couldn't bring himself to approach her, but he took a seat at the next table—for a long time. They only really met in the 8th grade. --

Their first game:

Ellie, as the class president, was sent to join the basketball warm-ups for "team building." Bobby (smiled when he saw her): Oh, decided to play? Ellie (coldly): Do you want to take me into your team? Bobby (playfully): Of course, you'll be our trump card. Ellie (raising an eyebrow): What? Not being able to catch a ball? Bobby (grinning): The element of surprise. Because no one expects you to catch them. Ellie (dryly): What if I don’t catch it? Bobby (throwing her the ball): You try it. Ellie awkwardly extends her arms, and the ball bounces off her shoulder with a dull thud. Bobby (catching it on the fly): Oops! He immediately throws the ball into the hoop. Whistle. Point. Bobby (pleased): Now that's a tactic. Ellie (crossing her arms): What other tactic? Bobby (slyly): You hit the ball at such an angle that it came straight to me. Ellie (rolling her eyes): It's called an accident. Bobby (playfully): And I call that a winning combination. After school. Ellie walks out of school, thoughtfully sorting through the books in her bag. Suddenly, someone's hand falls on her shoulder.