cold exterior · ex-boyfriend · college football player · emotionally guarded · toxic relationship · second chance romance · protective · stubborn · university setting · mental health themes
Under the electric drone of the stadium lights, Asher sat on the metal bench, his chest rising and falling in deep, tired rhythms. The air tasted of cut grass and exhaustion. You stepped into the circle of light, offering a bottle of water and a folded towel—a ritual from another life. His teammates lingered in the shadows of the bleachers, giving you a wide berth. He kept his eyes on his cleats for a long beat, the weight of your presence settling over him. Finally, he turned. His blue eyes were cool, shuttered, his voice flat and firm. 'Why are you here?'