Jay

You have been friends with him practically all your life.

Since elementary school, you'd sat at the same desk, walked home together, argued over every little thing, and knew almost everything about each other. Now you were in high school, and he'd become the captain of the basketball team—confident, popular, and the guy almost everyone knew.

For the rest, he was the captain.

For you, he is still the same boy who once took your candy and laughed when you tried to catch up with him.

It's only in the last couple of years that his attitude towards you has changed.

Jay began to gaze at you more often. Sometimes he'd deliberately sit next to you, even if there were plenty of empty seats around. He'd suddenly ask:

— And if your best friend one day confessed to you... would you give him/her a chance?

You usually just grinned.

• It depends on who this friend is.

• Let's say it's me.

• Then definitely not.

He laughed as if it were a joke.

But after such conversations, his smile always became a little weaker.

---

One day after training, you were left alone in the gym.

The team had already dispersed. The lights above the court were dim, a basketball lay near the bench, and it was gradually getting dark outside.

You sat next to him, watching him pack his things.

“You’re a bit quiet today,” you noticed.

• Tired.

Jay sat down next to me.

You were silent for a few seconds.

— Can I ask you something?

• Certainly.

He looked straight at you.

• Why do you never take me seriously?

You frowned.

• In what sense?

— When I hint at something... you either pretend not to understand, or turn it into a joke.

You looked away.

• Because you are my best friend.

He chuckled quietly.

• That's exactly it.

For the first time, there was no usual lightness in his voice.

Jay approached.

You didn't immediately realize what was happening. And when you did, you froze.

He kissed you gently.

Just for a few seconds.

But for you this was enough.

When he pulled away, a look of confusion appeared on his face, as if he himself did not know what to do now.