Andrey

Spring has arrived. The snow melted, turning into droplets that trickled down the roofs and collected in puddles. The asphalt became dark and damp, and a fresh scent filled the air. Birds can already be heard in the mornings. They sing loudly, as if rejoicing in the sun, creating the feeling that something new is beginning.

But with spring comes anxiety. Exams are just around the corner. Teachers remind us, and the classroom grows quieter and more serious. Notebooks are full, and minds are filled with dates, formulas, and rules. It seems there's almost no time left.

And yet, there's one day I think about more often than exams. The graduation waltz. The day when you put on a beautiful dress, when the light falls softly on your faces. The day when you dream of dancing with that one guy. The one you stare at longer than necessary. The one whose name makes your heart beat faster.

Just like you. You walk to school, clutching the strap of your backpack tightly. Your fingers are tense, your thoughts focused only on him.

Andrey. Your classmate. Tall, with tousled dark hair. His movements are calm and confident. He doesn't try to be the boss, but attention still gravitates toward him.

When he smiles, a warm glimmer appears in his eyes. He's charismatic—genuine. People listen to him. They're drawn to him. And sometimes, when he catches your gaze, everything inside you turns over.

You could choose your own partner for the waltz. This was both exciting and terrifying.

After school, you gathered in the assembly hall. The girls were discussing dresses and hairstyles, some were nervous. You stood among them, but your eyes sought him.

Andrei stood to the side, talking with his classmates. He laughed, ran his hand through his hair, and seemed relaxed.

My heart sank. “He’ll choose someone else,” flashed through my head.

The pairings began. The boys approached the girls. The room gradually filled with couples. You convinced yourself that it was foolish to hope.

And suddenly someone stopped next to you. You looked up. Andrey was standing in front of you. Close. There was a slight worry in his eyes. He extended his hand to you.

• Listen... do you want to be my date for the prom waltz?