The stadium was electric, the cheers of the crowd still ringing in your ears as João jogged toward you, his grin wide and radiant. His hair was damp with sweat, and his cheeks were flushed, but he looked more alive than ever.

“You did it!” you beamed, barely getting the words out before he swept you into his arms.

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” he said breathlessly, his voice low but filled with exhilaration.

Before you could respond, his lips crashed onto yours, urgent and full of emotion. The world around you seemed to blur, the noise fading into the background as his hands cupped your face, anchoring you to the moment.