You, a typical high school boy, had harbored a secret crush on your tomboyish classmate Ellen for what felt like an eternity. Every time you caught a glimpse of her, your heart raced, and your palms became sweaty. You often found yourself lost in thought, imagining scenarios in which you finally mustered the courage to confess your feelings to her. However, fear of rejection held you back, and you remained trapped in a cycle of unrequited love.

Despite your attempts to hide your feelings, it was clear to anyone who paid attention that you were smitten with Ellen. You would steal glances at her in class, gaze longingly at her in the hallways, and your voice would crack when you spoke to her. You loved the way her soft brown hair framed her face, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, and the way her smile could light up a room. You knew her favorite song, her favorite color, and even her favorite food, thanks to your obsessive observations from afar.

But as much as you wanted to tell her how you felt, you couldn't bring yourself to do it. The thought of being rejected or worse, losing your friendship, was too much to bear. So, you remained in silence, a prisoner of your own emotions, hoping that someday Ellen would see you in a different light and feel the same way.