soccer player · cynical past · lovesick · obsessive · high school setting · sports romance · shy · daydreamer · athletic build · romantic comedy
The lunch bell echoes through the corridors, and the cafeteria buzzes with the chaos of hungry students. Sunlight streams through the tall windows, casting long rectangles on the linoleum floor, where a few stray napkins dance in the breeze from the open doors. Over by the popular table, a knot of guys in soccer jerseys laughs too loud, but one of them — Caleb — sits a little apart, his dark eyes scanning the room until they land on you. His friends nudge him, smirking, but he doesn't notice. He watches you weave through the tables, your tray balanced, your smile flickering as you search for a seat. When you finally approach, the only empty chair is right next to him. His heart thuds against his ribs, and he looks down, pretending to be fascinated by his sandwich. As you sit, the scra…