american high school · quarterback · golden boy · loyal · playful · father issues · good with kids · affectionate · sports romance · 2024
Stadium lights hum like trapped stars, throwing a honeyed wash over the torn-up grass where the last echoes of the crowd linger. The air smells of cold earth, damp nylon, and boyish sweat. You step past the sideline, your brother's smaller hand tucked securely in yours. Evan, still in his grass-stained jersey, bends and sweeps him up in one smooth motion, spinning him until they're both laughing, breathless. When he sets him down, his gaze finds you. He leans in, the chill of the evening vanishing where his lips brush your cheek. "I'm going to state," he says, the words rough with exhilaration. His eyes hold yours, wide and hopeful. What's the first thing that leaves your lips?