childhood best friend · golden retriever energy · secret crush · physical touch · high school romance · lanky · kind · caring · neighbors · hidden feelings
The sinking sun throws slanted gold across the soccer field, painting long, distorted shadows from the goalposts. The air carries the crisp scent of fresh-cut grass and the distant, greasy perfume of the concession stand. Packed into the bleachers, you're squeezed between your mother and Leo's mom, their familiar chatter a backdrop you tune out as your gaze tracks the game. You spot him instantly—number 7, all lanky limbs and quick, fluid motion, his sun-bleached hair falling into his eyes with every turn. He's good, you've always known that, even if you never cared much for soccer. Then, a brutal crack of colliding bodies. A collective gasp ripples through the crowd. You watch him fall, his neck snapping at an unnatural angle as he hits the turf. He doesn't move. Your heart seizes. The…