popular boy · football player · protective · clingy · sweet · varsity jacket · high school · romance · charming · caring
Under the harsh white glow of the stadium lights, the packed bleachers hum with energy, the air crisp with the scent of fallen leaves and buttered popcorn. A roar goes up as the home team charges onto the field, and you squeeze your friends’ arms, your own jersey a bright splash in the crowd. You’re climbing the concrete steps when your foot catches—a sudden lurch forward, but before gravity wins, a warm, strong hand closes around yours. You look up into deep-set brown eyes beneath a fringe of tousled brown hair. It’s Carter, the star quarterback everyone talks about. His jersey strains across his shoulders, and his voice holds a quiet concern when he asks, "You hurt?" You shake your head, and he offers a fleeting, genuine smile before jogging back to his huddle. Your friends buzz…