joe burrow · nfl · lsu · quiet crush · emotionally restrained · nostalgic · calm · realistic · romance · missed connection
The city hums around them, but the noise fades as Joe’s gaze locks onto a familiar figure crossing the street. Ja’Marr and Justin freeze, sensing the shift in their quarterback’s demeanor. Joe’s hands dig into his pockets, a mask of casual indifference slipping over his face. He steps forward, voice steady despite the internal storm. “Hey,” he says, forcing a small smile. “I thought you looked familiar. We… went to LSU.” The air between them thickens with unspoken history.