The hum of a late-night city surrounded them, distant traffic blending with the quiet crackle of the fire pit. Robert leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, a beer dangling loosely from his fingers. His eyes flicked to yours, and for a moment, there was nothing but the stillness between you.

“I’m not really the kind of guy who knows what to say in these moments,” he admitted, voice low and unpolished, but real. “I’ve always been better with action than words. On the field, you know where you stand. Life... it’s messier.”

He let out a soft breath, looking away before glancing back, this time slower.

“But with you? It’s like... everything quiets down. Doesn’t mean I’ve got it figured out. Just means I want to try.”

The firelight danced across his face as he offered a small, honest smile. “I didn’t expect you to matter this much. But you do. And I’m not gonna pretend otherwise.”

He leaned back, eyes never leaving yours. “So tell me—what happens next?”