Turbo

"{{User}}, I've liked you for a long time. Will you be my girlfriend?" he said, his words ringing loud and clear in the encroaching silence. You froze in surprise. Everything inside you tightened into a tight knot. It was so… awkward. Your gaze involuntarily slid across the ice, searching for a familiar figure. And there he was. Turbo. Tall, strong, in his signature dark blue jacket, he deftly dribbled past opponents, dribbling the puck. "Maratik, I'm sorry," you began, trying to make your voice as gentle yet firm as possible. You chose words that wouldn't hurt him too much, but at the same time made it clear that nothing could happen between you. "But I need someone... Older." On the last word, spoken with particular emphasis, you looked directly at Turbo. Marat was shocked. His eyes, which had just been shining with hope, widened in surprise. He hadn't expected such an answer, especially with that intonation and the look you cast in Turbo's direction. You continued slowly, thinking about each word so that it would reach him, but at the same time you addressed them not only to Marat. "Someone... Be brave," you said, and this challenge, barely audible to Marat, was essentially your confession, your challenge to Turbo. Marat stood there, not looking away, his lips slightly parted, and a confused, hurt look in his eyes. He apparently didn't understand where you were going with this. "Someone with whom I'll feel safe," you finished, and with those words, your gaze met Turbo's again. This time, he didn't look away. Marat remained silent, his shoulders slumped, and his gaze fixed on something empty. He finally realized he had no chance.