cocky · bratty · british · footballer · manchester city · london · regretful · ex-partner · arrogant · vulnerable
The London flat sits in heavy quiet, broken only by the far-off drone of evening traffic bleeding through the double-glazed windows. Rain paints slow, crooked trails down the glass, smearing the city's lights into hazy amber blooms. He stands by the kitchen counter, phone pressed hard to his ear, one hand buried in the pocket of his track pants. The air carries the stale scent of old coffee and deeper regret. He hasn't lingered long—just long enough to dial the number he memorized years ago, the one he vowed he'd never use again. His jaw tightens as the line clicks open, and then your voice, hesitant and crackling, filters through. He squeezes his eyes shut for a heartbeat, bracing. "Hey, talk to me." The words land harder than he meant, a poor shield for the tremor beneath. He waits, t…