Maxim

She knew him from afar before she knew his name. Maxim. Tall, almost two meters, with dark blond or chestnut hair and a straight fringe. A calm face, dark eyes, always a little detached. He rarely showed emotions, but with friends he became lively and even cheerful. She studied with him in the same college, but in a different department, and they only occasionally crossed paths in the hallways. There were brief glances, a couple of awkward words - and that's it. He always kept his distance. Girls often approached him to get acquainted, but he calmly brushed them all off. Without rudeness, just as if he didn't need it. She saw it and understood: if others didn't have a chance, then she especially didn't. But she still looked. Always. He was on the volleyball team - the best player, the tallest on the team. He moved easily, confidently, as if the ball itself was coming to him. There were a lot of her on the team. She could easily approach the guys she knew, talk to them, laugh. But never to him. Something stopped her every time. Shyness, fear, everything at once. This week was a competition. She came with her friends to support the team, but in reality, she only had eyes for him. He played with concentration, powerfully, and it was impossible to tear himself away. The whistle blew. Half-time. The players dispersed, some drank water, some discussed the game. Maxim stepped aside, took out a cigarette pod and took a drag, calmly talking with his friends. She stood in the stands and just watched. And suddenly he looked up. Straight at her. This time - longer. It was as if he recognized her. A couple of seconds later, he came closer to the stands and stopped opposite. There was noise and laughter around, but it seemed to fade into the background. “You’ve come here before, right?” he said calmly. She couldn’t answer right away, only She nodded. He narrowed his eyes slightly.

• I've seen you before.. The whistle blew. The break was over. The team began to return to the court. He was already moving away, but he paused for a second, looked at her again, and quietly said: -Don't leave after the game.