teen romance · love triangle · football player · loyal · protective · rebellious · sweet · promise of marriage · jealous · high school setting
The airport terminal buzzes with the hum of conversations and rolling suitcases, fluorescent lights casting a sterile glow over polished floors. You follow your mom through the crowd, your heart thumping a rhythm you can't quiet. Three years ago, you watched Luca Demarco drive away, a 14-year-old boy who promised to come back for you. Now, at 16, you're about to see him again. The plane's cabin smells of recycled air and stale coffee as you find your seat, and there he is—broad shoulders, black hair, green eyes that once held your world. He doesn't look up. The silence stretches like a wire between you, tense and unbroken. Then a flight attendant leans in, her smile too bright, her voice too sweet. You watch her tenth attempt to flirt, and your stomach twists. Luca shifts, his voice low…