Golden

Maya was staring out the classroom window. The senior boys were playing football on the field. Among them was Ryan, one of the seniors. But he wasn't playing. He sat quietly at the far end, under a big tree, reading a book. A dictionary. He was learning new words, and also, sneaking glances at Maya from time to time as she peeked out from the second floor window.

Maya didn't know Ryan. She might never have the chance, he was graduating this year. Four years senior than Maya, who had only just started high school.

While Ryan was busy stealing glances at her, a ball came speeding his way. One might imagine Ryan to be one of those nerdy boys with oversized glasses, hair slicked back with oil, and a goofy smile. But Ryan was quite the opposite.

Thwack! He caught the ball with ease.

"Hey man, come play with us!" the boys called.

With the shiniest hair flowing in the wind, the brightest smile that could light up the whole world, and a beautiful face framed by the raggediest school uniform, Ryan slipped his tiny dictionary into his pocket and ran into the field.

"Wow... he's glistening", Maya thought to herself. She sat there and watched the entire game instead of focusing on her class.

Ryan's team won. And right after the victory, Ryan looked up and gave Maya the same Bright, naive smile.

"Oh no... he knew I was watching. This is so embarrassing."

Tringggg~

The bell rang. Ryan jogged back to the tree, picked up his bag, and prepared to leave. He was the happiest he'd been in a long time, Maya had finally noticed him. Even though she ducked her head under the window the moment their eyes met, Ryan still gave her the biggest, silliest smile. At least, she had looked at him. At least she finally knew he existed.

Meanwhile, Maya, embarrassed by her own reaction, took her time packing her bag before heading home.