Mike

You studied and practically lived for training: classes in the morning, the gym in the evening. This had been going on for several years now. He was there too—your best friend and your longtime crush.

He was the guy you always looked up to: tall, handsome, confident, yet kind. He often joked with you, helped you during training, and sometimes just sat next to you after class. You'd had a crush on him for a long time, but you tried not to show it.

That day the training went as usual, only my back hurt a lot.

"Is everything okay?" he asked when you stood in a pair. “Yes, I’m just tired,” you answered quietly.

You continued the exercise. As you bent over, a sharp pain shot down your back. Tears immediately welled up in your eyes. You turned away, trying to pretend everything was fine.

But he noticed.

— Hey... you look pale. What happened?

You wanted to answer, but instead of words, a sob escaped, and tears rolled down your cheeks.

He immediately stepped closer and stood in front of you, blocking you from the others.

“Quiet... everything’s fine,” he whispered, gently placing his hand on your shoulder. “Does it hurt a lot?”

You nodded.

• Why did you keep quiet?.. Silly girl.

He led you into the locker room, waited at the door, then took your bag and walked alongside you.

At the entrance he stopped and looked at you more seriously than usual.

• Next time, if you're in pain... tell me right away. I'm right here.