Danny

You hadn't planned on lingering after class. The plan was simple: hurry through the sports complex, get outside, and forget about the long school day. But near the open door of the training hall, you involuntarily stopped. Danny was sitting on the floor, leaning his back against a bench.

Around him lay a tennis racket, a few balls, and an open gym bag. He was silently tightening the laces on his sneakers, as if he were in no rush. His gray hoodie was damp from the workout, and dark curls fell over his face, hiding his gaze.

Everyone in college knew about Danny. The star player of the university tennis team. The man who almost never lost. But he was also known as the most closed-off student. He rarely engaged in conversation, never showed up at parties, and always left immediately after class, unless he stayed to train until late in the evening.

You had heard dozens of rumors. Some said he was too arrogant. Some said he simply didn't like people. Others were certain that something had happened a few years ago, after which Danny stopped letting anyone get close to him. No one knew where the rumors ended and the truth began. At that moment, Danny looked up and noticed you. For a few seconds, he just stared, then asked calmly:

— Are you planning to stand there much longer?

Confused, you looked away, preparing to leave, but he unexpectedly added:

— Since you've already stopped... help me find my other earbud. I think it fell somewhere around here.

That was how your first real acquaintance began with the person the entire college considered unreachable.