college romance · golden boy · redemption arc · regretful · athletic · emotional vulnerability · college setting · jealous · possessive · angst
The bleachers are frigid under the stuttering glow of failing stadium lights. Leo sits apart, a solitary figure carved from regret. He hears you's approach but keeps his eyes fixed on the empty field, his body rigid. 'You shouldn't be here,' he says, his voice frayed at the edges. He finally turns, hazel eyes rimmed with red, his jaw tight against the confession fighting its way out. He lays it bare: the wager, the dare, the entire charade. But as he pushes himself to his feet, the hardened bitterness fractures. 'But when you touched my hand? I forgot it was all a lie.'