He showed me and he said, ‘I’m gonna bring this girl to prom.’

And I was like ‘Whatever, you’re crazy.'"

Not so crazy, as it turns out.

Kobe Bryant and Brandy Norwood

Kobe was actually able to meet his crush, Brandy Norwood, at the Essence Awards.

Amazingly enough, she accepted!

I asked my mom, and she said yes."

Brandy Norwood

Once mom okayed the promposal, that’s when things started to get crazy.

Her take on it was that many people were surprised Kobe would even bother to attend his prom.

At the time, it felt very unusual and atypical and special."

Kobe Bryant and Brandy Norwood at Lower Merion High School

Brandy’s comment read: “Never will I understand.

My condolences to@vanessabryant, and all families who are in pain during this tragic time.

Love#Mamba #Mambacita.”

Kobe Bryant and Brandy Norwood at the prom

Kobe Bryant and Brandy Norwood

Kobe and Gianna Bryant