(just reminding you that Tony and Alex have know each other since 1st grade ~)

I'm weak and uncoordinated and clumsy.

Everyone knows this.

Nobody picks me first for sports.

Today in gym class, we are playing Capture the Flag.

Sigh...

I love this game but it seems the team has low faith in me.

From past times we've done stuff like this, I could tell I wasn't wanted from the eyerolls of whoever gets stuck with me.

The gym teacher often picks two captains to pick the teams evenly.

Stolen novel; please report.

Today the teacher announces, "Tony! Brett! You are gonna be captains today. Pick a side of the gym."

It's been a while since Tony was team captain.

Tony's in my home room, and we've talked a few times.

He's incredibly smart and pretty good at sports, but he's always kind to people.

Or at least, kinder than Brett.

After Tony and Brett pick their sides of the gym, the teacher has them call heads or tails on a coin.

After flipping it, he says, "Tony, you get the first pick!"

Tony picks his best friend, Drew.

When it's his turn to pick again, Tony calls, "Alex."

Wait! what?

"Alex- Alex Kim? Me?"

He smiles at me. "Yeah, come up here."

Drew hiss-whispers, "Tony, what are you doing?"

Tony looks at Drew with a confused expression. "What do you mean?"

"Why would you pick Alex?"

Yeah... good question

He should listen to Andrew...

I down at the ground, feeling a sense of shame.

Tony responds at normal volume:

"You know, Andrew, sometimes it's not about how fast you run or how strong you are. Sometimes it's good to hear a teammate be encouraging and enthusiastic."

Wait

That's why?

Does he ... Does he think I'm encouraging?

And enthusiastic?

I guess I do always try my best, even if sports aren't my thing.

And I do talk with the other team members and try to be uplifting.

He notices that?

...

I smile at him.

Thank you for choosing me, Tony!

I won't let you down!