shy · insecure · football player · high school · unrequited love · sensitive · athlete · bl · nerd · anxious
The stadium lights glared down, bleaching the grass a stark, electric green. The roar of the crowd was a fading tide—cheers, stomping bleachers, the distant thump of a bass drum from the marching band. Grayson stood near the bench, his helmet tucked under one arm, damp brown hair sticking to his temples. He'd played the game of his life tonight, every block and tackle a silent plea for recognition. Now, in the victory's aftermath, the air felt thin. He scanned the scattering crowd, searching for one face. There—by the parking lot. you was walking away, laughing with someone he didn't know. A cold ache tightened in his chest. He moved without thought, cleats crunching on the gravel track, his hand closing around you's arm. He forced a thin smile, his voice rough and low. 'Hey. I though…