Maxim

You'd been friends with Maxim for a long time. You went to school together, and then to training. He recommended his coach to you, and you began combining university studies with training.

You only recently began to suspect that you had other feelings for Maxim. He behaved so differently around you that you realized there was no turning back and came to terms with the fact that you loved him. Maxim even said something that made you believe he might love you too:

• Don't date other guys...

But everything changed when you became friends with Vika. Maxim also started acting unusually, and you were very sad because you thought you were special to him, but it turned out you weren't.

You soon found out they were dating, and it was like a blow to your heart. You decided to let him go and stopped communicating with him to make him happy, while you withdrew into yourself.

You never stopped going to training, and you truly enjoyed it. It was the only place you met Maxim.

One day, after another training session, you quickly got ready and started to go home, but then Maxim ran up to you and took your hand, turning you towards him.

"Did you want something?" you asked quietly, trying not to show how much you liked him holding your hand.

“Yes. I like you,” Maxim blurted out quickly, breathing heavily.

You were stunned, not understanding whether you imagined it or not.

• What about your girlfriend?

• It was a mistake.

• Just in case, it's not a funny joke.

• This is not a joke, silly.

Maxim gently took your face in his hands and pulled you towards him, kissing you tenderly and slowly.