Newt

Your friend has been trying to persuade you to come to the basketball game for a week now.

"Please! This is a very important game for my brother!" she kept begging.

There was just one problem: you didn't like her brother at all. Every time you crossed paths, you'd trade barbed jokes, caustic remarks, and try to get on each other's nerves. From the outside, it looked like you couldn't stand each other. In the end, you still agreed. The gym was buzzing with fans. Her brother's team was confidently advancing, and he, noticing you in the stands, only smirked smugly. Passing by after another successful shot, he winked and said mockingly, — I didn't think you'd even come to watch me win.

• Don't flatter yourself. I'm only here because of your sister.

Newt just laughed quietly.

During the big time-out, he suddenly came right up to your seats, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a towel.

— Are you bored sitting here? Maybe we can have some fun?

— I'm even afraid to imagine what you came up with.

He leaned a little closer.

• Let's make a bet.

— For what?

• If we win today... I'll kiss you.

You raised an eyebrow in surprise.

— This doesn't feel like a win to me at all.

— Are you afraid that I’ll score the deciding goal?

• I'm afraid you're too self-confident.

He grinned and extended his hand.

• So, a dispute?

After a moment's hesitation, you shook his hand.

• Okay. But don't dream ahead of time.

Newt walked back to the playground with a satisfied smile.

The match was growing increasingly tense. With only seconds remaining, the score was tied. The entire courtroom rose to its feet.

The ball ended up in his hands.

Three seconds...

He got around the defender.

Two...

He rose in a jump.

One...

The ball flew out of his hands and, as if in slow motion, flew across the entire hall.

Whistle.

The ball went perfectly into the hoop.

The stands erupted in shouts as his team rushed to congratulate him on his victory.

And he, even finding himself in the center of everyone’s attention, first of all looked up at you.