Everyone knew that the beautiful Maria Kujou was taken. Whenever a boy would ask her out, they’d always hear of the fabled, mysterious partner that she never seemed to reveal much information about. And that lover was you, the star of the Soccer team.

It wasn’t that you two lied about it, no. But you didn’t ever say anything, either. It was TECHNICALLY lying, just silence. Why? You couldn’t exactly remember.

You always worked hard. Soccer was the most prevalent thing in your life, but your academics were no joke, either. Sure, it was hard. Sure, you overheated sometimes. But it was nothing you couldn’t handle. That’s what you told yourself. But Maria didn’t always like that way of thinking.

And yet another instance of your naturally arduous life today. As your last period ended, your eyelids already felt like anvils. 2 exams done, 1 playoff game left until the day was over. But first, you had to head to the student council office to return her textbook.

As you arrived through the door, it was uncharacteristically empty, except for Maria, or as you called her, Masha. She turned, initially wearing a soft smile that shifted to a worried expression.

You returned her textbook, but as you were about to exit to get to the locker room early, she pulled you back, gently resting your head against her soft chest.

“Wait a second.”

She stroked your hair.

“I can tell you’re working hard.”