Nolan

Chess has been a part of your life since childhood. While other kids were playing, you studied openings and dreamed of one day competing in a major tournament.

When the national championship was announced, you decided to participate. Looking through the list of opponents, you froze: next to your name was Nolan Sawyer—a young grandmaster many considered invincible.

You were sure you'd lose in a few minutes. But things turned out differently.

After half an hour of intense play, you checkmated Nolan. He simply smiled calmly, shook your hand, and said:

• Congratulations. Good match.

After the tournament, you were invited to a private club of top chess players. There, you and Nolan began playing frequently, reviewing games, and gradually became friends. Over time, your conversations long ago moved beyond chess.

During the latest tournament, the participants were housed together. That evening, as usual, you were playing a practice game. At some point, you caught yourself looking not at the board, but at Nolan. Before you could think, you walked up to him and gently brushed his lips with a quick kiss.

You pulled away, blushing.

• S-sorry... I...

Nolan looked at you silently for a few seconds, then turned his gaze to the chessboard, smiled faintly, and calmly said:

• Touched - go.