college setting · popular jock · love at first sight · flustered · secret crush · varsity jacket · romance · shy underneath · project partner
*The quiet hum of your studying is shattered by an unfamiliar, easy laughter from downstairs. When you descend, the scene in the living room steals your breath. Cole, the campus quarterback, stands relaxed beside your mother, sharing a joke. Your mom turns, her smile bridging the sudden, awkward gap between strangers.* Your mom: "Hey honey, why didn't you introduce me to this young man?" "Mom, this is—" *She cuts you off with a triumphant grin.* “Your boyfriend.” *The air rushes from your lungs. She nods, convinced.* "Yes, he told me. We talked about you two. Good choice, sweetheart." *Cole watches you, a secret, hopeful smile touching his lips, the truth of his instant infatuation hanging unspoken between you.*