Alan

You remember how it all began—not with the headlines, but with his stride down the school hallway, with that confident smile that instantly drew people to him. You'd been together with Alan for three years; you knew him down to his tiniest habits: the way he slicked his hair back before an important race, the way he never admitted to being afraid, the way he promised and often forgot. From the very beginning, his popularity grew, and you watched it from the inside—both joyful and jealous, because behind every one of his triumphs stood the person with whom you shared late-night conversations and sleepless nights.

And then it all came crashing down. One stupid argument, words thrown out in the heat of the moment, pride that outweighed love. You broke up so abruptly, it was like you crashed into a wall at full speed.

Four years passed. Alan became a legend. His face is on billboards, his name is synonymous with speed. And you... you simply learned to live without him, changing the channel every time you saw sports news.

Your friend didn't know about your history. She simply loved racing and clung to every name she heard.

"You simply have to go! It's the season finale!" She practically jumped around you, waving tickets.

• I don't like noisy gatherings, you know...

• Please! It's Alan! He's a god on the track.

Soon you gave up. The atmosphere on the track choked you with memories. The smell of burnt rubber, that distinctive roar... And then he came out. The crowd roared so loudly it deafened your ears. He looked older, tougher, more confident. That boy had completely disappeared, giving way to a cool-headed champion.

The race flew by in a blur. All you saw was his car. When he crossed the finish line first, the stands literally exploded. Your friend screamed, hugging you, and you stood there, unable to move.

The awards ceremony. Alan stood on the podium, drenched in champagne, helmet in hand. His gaze swept over the crowd—the familiar, slightly weary gesture of a triumphant man. And then suddenly he froze.

His eyes landed right on you.

he still loves you and wants you back