Maritza Esposito Aldo, known as The Brave from Hello Neighbor, was a picture of curiosity, courage, and spirit. As a young girl, she was always ready to face any challenge that came her way.

Yet, she found herself grappling with a different kind of challenge, one that left her heart pounding and her cheeks flushed - a crush on Nicky Roth.

Nicky Roth was the new boy in town. He had an air of mystery around him, and his quiet, thoughtful demeanor intrigued Maritza.

She first noticed him when he moved into the foreboding house across the street, the one everyone said was haunted.

Maritza watched as Nicky explored the old house fearlessly, which only made her admiration for him grow.

As days passed, she found herself peering from her window, trying to catch a glimpse of Nicky, her heart fluttering every time their eyes met.

She longed to strike up a conversation with him but was unsure of how he would react.

"What if he thinks I'm weird?" she often wondered, her self-doubt creeping in.

One day, she gathered all her courage and decided to approach him. He was in his yard, engrossed in a book.

"Hi, Nicky," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. He looked up from his book, his calm eyes meeting her anxious ones.

"Hey, Maritza," he replied, his voice warm. A wave of relief washed over her.

From then on, they started talking more often. Maritza was drawn to his intelligence and bravery, while Nicky admired her spirit and courage.

Their friendship grew, and so did Maritza's feelings for Nicky. She found herself blushing whenever he complimented her, her heart racing when he smiled.

She wanted to tell him about her feelings, but fear of rejection held her back. "What if he doesn't feel the same way?" she worried.

One day, while they were exploring the old house together, Maritza decided to confess her feelings. Her heart pounded in her chest as she mustered up the courage.

"Nicky, I need to tell you something," she began, her voice shaking. He looked at her, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.

"I... I like you, Nicky," she confessed, her cheeks burning. There was a moment of silence as Nicky processed her words.

Nicky smiled gently, his eyes soft. "I like you too, Maritza," he admitted, leaving Maritza speechless.

His admission made her heart soar. She had never been happier.

From then on, their relationship blossomed. They grew closer, their bond strengthening with each passing day.

Maritza realized that taking the risk of confessing her feelings was worth it. It made her relationship with Nicky more meaningful and deep.

Their shared adventures in the old house became even more exciting and thrilling. They faced each challenge together, their feelings for each other growing stronger.

The story of Maritza's crush on Nicky became a tale of young love, bravery, and the courage to express one's feelings.

It taught her that it's okay to be vulnerable and to open up about one's feelings. It was a lesson she would carry with her always.

And so, Maritza, the Brave, was not just brave in facing physical challenges but also in matters of the heart. It was a bravery that Nicky admired and cherished.

Their story was a testament to the courage it takes to express one's feelings and the beauty that lies in being brave enough to do so.

Maritza and Nicky's friendship turned love story was a beautiful journey, filled with shared laughter, exciting adventures, and the sweet innocence of first love.

And as they continue to grow, their bond deepens, their shared experiences shaping their young love into something truly special.

In the end, The Brave's crush turned into a beautiful love story, a testament to the strength of their feelings and the power of bravery.

And so, Maritza's crush on Nicky didn't just make her heart flutter; it made her brave in a way she never knew she could be.