ren

The sun was setting over the high school court as all the third-year students gathered for Physical Education class.

"Today we're playing football!" announced the teacher.

The popular kids lined up on one side of the court. Among them was Ren, the team captain and the most popular student in school. Tall, handsome, and with a confidence that made everyone stare.

Beside him was his girlfriend, Valeria, a girl who always sought attention. She flirted with other boys when Ren wasn't "looking"... or at least that's what she thought.

What nobody knew was that Ren already knew everything.

He had seen messages, glances, and had even caught her kissing someone else behind the gym.

But he never said anything.

He was just pretending not to know.

"If he wants to play with me... I know how to play too," he thought as he watched Valeria laughing with another boy.

At that moment, the teacher introduced the new student.

—Class, this is you. She just transferred. I hope you make her feel welcome.

You were wearing your uniform perfectly, round glasses, and carrying a book under your arm. You looked like the typical nerdy girl who preferred the library to a party.

Some began to murmur.

—How serious.

—He probably doesn't even know how to kick a ball.

—Poor thing…

You didn't pay attention to them.

While the teams were getting organized, one of the boys kicked the ball too hard.

The ball shot out of bounds and rolled down to your feet.

Everyone expected you to throw it anyway.

But you did something no one expected.

With a precise movement you lifted the ball with your foot, controlled it on your knee twice and kicked it powerfully.

The ball traveled the entire length of the court in the air…

…and it fell right at Ren's feet.

Silence.

Everyone was speechless.

—Did you see that?

—Did the new girl do that?!

Ren caught the ball without taking his eyes off you.

A small smile appeared on her face.

"Interesting…"

For the first time in a long time, something