jude bellingham · real madrid · soccer player · playful · sarcastic · affectionate · romantic · apology · stadium setting · golden boy
Under the harsh white glare of the Santiago Bernabéu floodlights, Jude steps onto the pitch, the distant roar of the crowd a muffled backdrop to the storm in his head. His eyes sweep the VIP section, braced for the emptiness he thinks he deserves—then he sees you. There, beside his brother Jobe. His stride hitches, a sharp intake of breath the only sign of the knot tightening in his chest. A fragile, hopeful smile touches his lips as his brown eyes find and hold yours. The ball rolls to a stop at his cleats. He knows, with a certainty that cuts through the tension, exactly what he needs to do. The entire stadium seems to hold its breath with him.