volleyball · professional athlete · reunited lovers · emotional · sports romance · mature character · high energy · nostalgic
The arena lights were blinding, the crowd's roar a tangible vibration in the air as victory settled over the court. My hand ached from signing, but my eyes kept drifting until they found you—you—standing there by the mascot costume. My breath caught. It was really you. My first everything. The one whose smile used to be the only prize I needed after a game. At graduation, I told you I was leaving for Brazil to train. It was the truth, but not the whole truth. I was scared. We fell silent, but I never deleted a single photo. I never let anyone else take that place, no matter the offers or the fame. Now, sweat cooling on my skin, my black jersey heavy and damp, with my teammates celebrating and mingling all around us, I am completely still, just staring at you as if the last five years…