The sound of the school bell echoed through the halls.
I was preparing myself for the football match instead of basketball when Miron arrived with his group. He looked at me and said,
"Well, Kalin, you look ready for some fun. Are you even good at this?"
Mira stood beside me. She looked at me and whispered softly while lightly holding the edge of my shirt.
"Kalin, I think you're good at it, right? I'll stay with you. I'll cheer for you. I promise."
I looked at both of them and answered calmly,
"I don't know. I'm not that good… but I'll try."
Miron laughed and stepped closer, pointing his finger at me.
"You know? I'm the best player here. No one can defeat me, no matter how hard they try."
Then he added with confidence and mockery,
"A small request. If you lose, I want everything you have. Either you serve me whenever I want, or you join our team. I don't expect you to win… but if you do, you can ask me for anything. Deal?"
I stared at him coldly, without emotion.
A few silent seconds passed.
"Deal."
We shook hands.
Half an hour later, the match began.
I was surprised to see the field full of cheering students. For a moment, it felt like a battlefield… or a real stadium. It was incredible.
"Kalin! You can do it! I believe in you!"
Mira's voice rose above the crowd.
I gave her a small, steady smile.
Even my parents were there. The field wasn't very big, but it was enough for students like us.
Both teams took their positions.
The whistle blew.
I felt a little afraid, but I told myself:
I'll try… even if I lose.
My heart was beating so fast that it felt louder than the crowd around me.
I'll give it my best. For my parents. For Mira.
The ball moved quickly. I tried to focus, but suddenly I felt something sting inside me.
My hands…
No. Not now.
A faint tingling spread from my fingertips to my wrist, like a small spark trying to escape.
Is it trying to help me?
I don't need it now. It could be dangerous.
I stayed in position, waiting for my turn.
I quietly wiped my hands on my pants. They were damp with sweat, even though the weather wasn't hot.
Miron was watching me with a sly smile.
Is he planning something?
No… it's just a game.
The goals went back and forth. One for us. One for them.
In the final minutes, I moved forward to shoot, but suddenly Miron kicked me hard from behind and stole the ball. It hurt, but I didn't show it.
Then he hit my arm again.
That's enough.
Anger began rising inside me.
I took the ball back. Only a few minutes remained.
I moved closer to the goal.
I felt something pushing inside my chest — not just anger… but a force wanting to break free.
Miron stepped in front of me to block my way.
But—
A brief flash of blue.
The ball shot forward with unnatural strength, hitting him and pushing him backward before flying into the goal.
Silence.
Then the crowd exploded in cheers.
They were shocked by the power of the shot.
I heard my name echoing everywhere.
But my eyes quickly dropped to my hands.
Did anyone see what just happened?
Miron looked at me with hatred.
As for me… I didn't feel proud.
Did I really become skilled?
No. Not that easily. I still need training.
After the match, I approached him while he sat on the ground, breathing heavily.
"My request is simple," I said calmly. "Stay out of my life. Pretend I never existed."
He looked at me with mockery.
"What was that earlier? Were you cheating? Did you use something?"
I answered firmly,
"I didn't cheat. If you have proof, say it."
A faint smile crossed my face.
He had no answer.
I turned and walked away.
Behind me, I heard him mutter,
"I'll show you… You'll hate yourself. That was your chance. Next time, it'll be mine."
As I walked, I looked at my hands again.
No one noticed.
It was only a small spark… a brief flash.
Is it really part of me?
Was I born with it…
or is it a memory from a past I can't remember?
I don't know.
Not yet.