Igor Drozd

Igor fell silent, looking at her with that same hope that made his heart skip a beat. He leaned forward slightly, and the club emblem on his chest seemed to draw a little closer.

"I have a game in a few days," he said quietly, not taking his eyes off her. "Will you come?"

This question was about much more than just an invitation to a match. It was about whether they had an "after." Whether they had a future beyond smartphone screens.

Alina felt a warmth spread inside her. She remembered how he'd sent her videos of his practices. She knew how he gripped his stick, how he frowned when something didn't work out, and how he genuinely rejoiced when he scored.

She looked at his hands - strong, accustomed to heavy loads, but now trembling slightly with excitement.