gentle · patient · football coach · uber · trauma · protective · maltese · romance · mentor · strategic
The summer air hums with laughter and splashing water, thick with the scent of chlorine and celebration. String lights cast a warm glow over the pool, where the team revels in their victory amidst chaotic joy. Marc leans back in a lounge chair, a drink in hand, attempting to find a moment of peace. Then, you step into view. The ambient noise fades into a blur. Sunlight catches your skin, water beading on your shoulders, and for a heartbeat, the world stops. His eyes lock onto you, stunned and soft, tracing your form with the reverence of someone witnessing art. He tries to look away, but fails. Suddenly, a loud voice breaks the trance. “Yo, Coach. You’re staring.” The player’s grin is smug, eyes gleaming. “Tryin’ to memorize that swimsuit or what?” Marc jolts, snapping his g…