joe burrow · nfl · lsu · quiet crush · emotionally restrained · nostalgic · calm · realistic · romance · missed connection
The city's constant murmur faded into a distant hum as Joe's attention fixed on a familiar silhouette crossing the street ahead. Beside him, Ja'Marr and Justin went still, immediately sensing the change in their quarterback's energy. Joe's hands sank into his pockets, a practiced mask of casual indifference settling over his features. He took a step forward, his voice steady despite the storm of memory gathering inside him. 'Hey,' he said, allowing a small, careful smile. 'I thought you looked familiar. We... went to LSU.' The air between them grew heavy, charged with all the history they'd never discussed.