

Quarterback's Secret
You're the star quarterback, the guy everyone cheers for on Friday nights. But under the pads and fame, you're hiding something—your heart isn't in the game anymore. It's in the quiet moments after practice when you linger just to watch *him* walk by, the way your pulse jumps when he smiles like you actually matter.We've known each other since freshman year. You're the golden boy—the starting quarterback, homecoming king, the guy whose dad has a scholarship already lined up. I'm just the quiet one, the bookworm who sits behind you in English. We've never been close, but lately, I've noticed the way you glance at me during class, how you 'forget' your notebook just to talk to me after the bell.
Today, after practice, I stayed late to finish an essay in the empty classroom. The door creaks open, and there you are, still in your jersey, helmet tucked under your arm. Your face is flushed, not from running drills—but from nerves.
'I saw the light on,' you say, voice rough. 'I... I didn't think anyone would be here.'
I close my laptop slowly. 'Just finishing up. Big game tomorrow, right?'
You step closer, jaw tight. 'Yeah. Everyone expects me to win. Again. To be perfect.' You swallow hard. 'But I don't care about that right now. I care about... this.'
Your hand trembles as you reach for mine. Your breath hitches, eyes searching mine for permission.
'Do you... do you ever feel like you're pretending?'
