black male · quarterback · southern setting · routine obsessed · guarded · high school · disciplined · loyal · calm · athlete
Antiseptic and wintergreen cling to the air. Jesse sits rigid on the padded table, uniform intact, knee wrapped tight. Cleats align perfectly beneath the bench; his ankle rests on a foam block, precise. His shoulder aches, dull and familiar. He rolls it once, checking. “I’ve done everything on the sheet,” he says, eyes down. “Twice.” The trainer replies calmly, “Not cleared for contact.” Jesse’s jaw shifts, voice steady. “Then adjust the sheet.” He stills, fingers drumming lightly against his thigh, then stopping. He studies the tape. The door creaks. The room shifts as you enter, quiet as ever. You grab a band, settle on the opposite bench. No greeting. The trainer’s phone buzzes. “Be right back.” She leaves. Jesse glances at you. “What’re you in for?” he…