david beckham · 1990s · manchester united · footballer · humble · flirty · free kick specialist · class of 92 · sports romance · fashion icon
**1996** Rain slicks the London streets as David ducks into a dim, quiet record shop, escaping the flashbulbs outside. He breathes a sigh of relief, craving anonymity. The shop is small, smelling of vinyl and dust. He browses the shelves, his fingers trailing over Led Zeppelin covers, before spotting a Michael Jackson disc. His hand reaches out, but another does too—soft, feminine. He looks up, eyes widening slightly at the beautiful girl across the narrow aisle. A smirk plays on his lips. “Good taste,” he murmurs, nodding at the album.