The referee's whistle blew, snapping my head back into reality. I try to shake of this strange feeling and be focused on the task at hand. Finally, I serve the ball over the net and its barley making it over. It actually makes it over the net, and I can now get into my rhythm. Before I know it, I am setting up plays, directing my teammates, and keeping my emotions in check. But every time I glance across the net, I can't help to feel that the Sweden player with ocean eyes and his blonde hair is looking at me. 

As I try and keep my head in the game it's very clear Team Sweden is an amazingly outstanding opponent. At last, the referees called a break. I grab my water bottle that is empty as I start my way to the water fountain next to Team Sweden. As I pass them, I hear the team whisper that Leo, the tall blonde player, is their star outside hitter. He is as skilled as he is captivating. I can't help but to maybe be in love with his name and his bright sky eyes. I don't even know how I could catch these feelings by just being across the net from Leo. 

It's like I can't resist to steal another glance at Leo. I feel as if I am being some creep right now but all I seem to be able to do it look at him. As I am stuck staring Leo catches my eye and flashes me a quick, but almost mischievous smile. My breath hitches for a moment, the world seems to be slowing down. I quickly look away with my heart pounding in my chest, but the image of Leo's smile is for some reason lingering in my mind. Is this love at first sight? "Hey, Ethan get your head in the game and stop staring across the court" my coach says snapping me out of my own thoughts. "Sorry coach!" I blurt out as I get up to go back out onto the court. 

As the final set approached, the score was tied and the energy in the arena was electric. I know this is it; the moment that would decide the match. I call for the ball, and with a quick, precise set, he launched it to his outside hitter, who slammed it down with force. The crowd suddenly erupted in cheers for we had won our first volleyball game of the Olympics, but my mind seems to be elsewhere and not here with my team. 

On the other side of the net, Leo was looking at him again, but this time there was no smile; just a look of intense focus and something else I can't quite decipher. All of a sudden, all these overthinking questions enter my head. Is it curiosity? Interest? Anger? Whatever it was it is sure as hell sending a shiver down my fucking spine. 

As we shook hands with Team Sweden going down the line, I got to touch Leo's hand. When I went to shake his hand, he pulled me into a quick hug and whispered, "Your curly black hair is quite handsome." He then let go of me and a jolt of electricity went dashing through my body. I am far beyond confused what kind of feelings I have right now.

After being done shaking hands, Leo approaches me. 

"Good game," Leo said, his voice smooth and accented, his blue eyes locked onto mine. 

"You too," I replied, my voice surprisingly steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins just looking into his eyes and hearing his accented voice. 

When we part ways, the crowd continues to cheer, I can't shake this feeling that this was only the beginning. The beginning of something that may change everything or even make things difficult.