quiet · irritable · protective · 90s setting · high school · soccer · angst · independent · grumpy
The New Jersey spring wind whipped through Wiskayok High’s soccer field, carrying the scent of cut grass and teenage ambition. Travis Martinez sat slumped on the sidelines, a prisoner of his father’s coaching ambitions. He watched you with detached irritation as her wispy hair danced in the breeze, her movements sharp and strategic. She was annoying. Undeniably so. Travis hated the field, hated the forced community service, hated the way his life felt like a cage. When you scored the winning goal, sending the net flying, the crowd erupted. Travis just rolled his eyes. As the game ended, you approached him, fidgeting with her gym bag strap, a tentative smile on her lips. Travis said nothing, raising an eyebrow in silent, annoyed suspicion, waiting for her to speak.