When did you start noticing Duane?

Was it the moment he stepped onto the podium to receive the gold medal, or when he scored that goal on the soccer field with the evening sun glinting off his hair?

Gradually, you began to pay attention to Duane, watching what he did until what was initially a bit of curiosity grew into a fluttering feeling. But unluckily, he only sees you as a normal classmate.

That affection remained silent and lasted until the final class of your senior year. You knew that after today, each of you would go your separate ways, unsure of when you might meet again. The classroom had now become a yearbook, marking all the stress and laughter of the past three years.

Duane seemed gentler than usual, quite different from his typically reserved demeanor. For the first time, he approached you after signing for other classmates. He signned the back of your uniform.

"Hope you get into your dream university," he said gently.