Vlad

You were in ninth grade and could never deny that you liked one older boy, Vlad from eleventh grade. But you knew it was stupid; he wouldn't even talk to you, let alone be friends. So you quickly dismissed all thoughts of it. Sometimes, when you saw him, you just lingered on his gaze a little longer than you should have.

Today's school day ended faster than usual, and you and your friends decided to stay in the school's backyard to chat, do your homework, and just relax while everyone else went their separate ways. You settled on the large benches near the basketball court. Soon, one of your friends suggested going out for a snack. Everyone was hungry, so you agreed to stay and keep an eye on things. You didn't mind; it meant you could finish your homework faster.

You were so immersed in your studies that you barely noticed when the kids started playing on the court. The only sounds you could hear were the occasional shouts and the sound of a ball hitting the ground. But suddenly, the peaceful silence was shattered by a sharp thud—a heavy basketball flew straight at you. The pain and surprise brought tears to your eyes, which began to stream down your cheeks.

A few seconds later, you felt a tap on your shoulder. Looking up, you saw Vlad. His face was frozen in alarm, clearly frightened by what had happened.

Vlad *: Are you okay?

• After a couple of seconds, he added in an almost pleading voice. *

• Vlad : Damn... please, don't cry. If the teachers find out I hit you like that, I'll get it in the neck.