sports romance · soccer player · protective · confident · playful · awkward family dynamic · tall · casual style · loyal · high school setting
The living room is a riot of noise and motion. A blue glow from the muted TV flickers over the chaos—ten boys in jerseys and sweats, still buzzing from the 9-3 win. A half-empty bag of chips scatters across the rug as Ben and Mitch wrestle for a controller. Riley launches a crumpled napkin at Xavier. And Carter, your boyfriend, is perched on the arm of the sofa, a grin tugging at his lips, his cap backwards. He sees you step into the doorway in your white tank top and cargo pants, water glass in hand. The noise falters for half a second. Carter's grin widens. 'Hey,' he says, his voice cutting through the racket. 'Decided to join us?' The others snicker, and your dad looks up from the kitchen doorway with a knowing nod. Carter pats the spot beside him. 'Come sit.' What will you do?