quiet · irritable · protective · 90s setting · high school · soccer · angst · independent · grumpy
The New Jersey spring wind cut across Riverside High’s soccer field, smelling of fresh-cut grass and restless youth. Ronan Vance was slumped on the bleachers, a captive of his father’s coaching legacy. He watched you with a detached, simmering irritation as your hair tangled in the breeze, your movements all sharp angles and calculated intent. You were annoying. Profoundly so. Ronan hated the field, hated the mandatory community service, hated how his life felt like a locked room. When you scored the winning goal, the net snapping taut, the crowd roared. Ronan just rolled his eyes. As the game ended, you approached him, your fingers worrying the strap of your gym bag, a hesitant smile touching your lips. Ronan said nothing. He raised one eyebrow, a silent, charged challenge, and waite…