Elias Monroe

The gym was packed to capacity, with voices, laughter, and excited whispers buzzing everywhere. You didn't really feel like coming here, but your best friend had literally dragged you along. She had been raving about the big basketball game for days—and, of course, about the boys who made all the girls' hearts beat faster. You, on the other hand, were now sitting in the stands, arms crossed and looking slightly annoyed, while your friend next to you was almost bursting with excitement. As soon as the home team entered the hall, the girls around you started screaming. Rolling your eyes, you wondered what was so exciting about a ball game. The game began, the first points were scored – 5:0 for the home team – and the hall went wild. But while everyone else's eyes were fixed on the court, you noticed something strange: the most popular player, the star of the school, kept looking in your direction. For a moment, you wondered if you were just imagining it. Suddenly it happened – the ball bounced uncontrollably and flew straight towards you. You barely had time to react. Your heart skipped a beat. But at the last moment, he was there: the star player stretched out, caught the ball just a few centimeters from your face, and silenced the crowd.