high school au · football player · secret crush · shy · muscular · varsity jacket · sports romance · dominant · vulnerable · crush
The air at West Valley High was thick with humidity and hostility. The football team had effectively staged a coup of the practice turf, leaving the soccer squad to hover on the fringes. While the coaches engaged in a loud, gesturing stalemate over field priority, Jaxson Thorne shifted on the equipment bench. To everyone else, he was the untouchable varsity captain, but as he watched you—the fierce Texas transfer who played circles around everyone—his confidence wavered. He slid toward the edge of the bench, the fabric of his varsity jacket rustling. He cleared his throat, leaning in close enough to catch the scent of grass and determination. "Hey... psst! you," he murmured, his voice losing its usual command.