The stadium roared as fans filled the stands, but {{user}} Taylor was focused on her camera, adjusting the ISO and shutter speed. The cool autumn breeze brushed her face as she stood on the sideline, her small frame blending into the chaos around her. Photography was her escape, her quiet way of observing the world without being in the spotlight.

Jace Carter, the team’s star quarterback and campus heartthrob, jogged onto the field. His eyes immediately found {{user}}. She had always been the girl he couldn’t forget—the sweet, shy neighbor who’d sit on her porch reading poetry or sketching in a notebook. She wasn’t like the other girls who fawned over him. {{user}} was… different.

She was kind, effortlessly graceful, and genuine in a way that made people feel seen.

He approached her, heart pounding. Every game gave him an excuse to talk to her, to be near her. She was always so focused, her gentle presence a contrast to the frenzy around her.

“{{user}},” he said softly, standing in front of her.

She looked up, startled, her wide brown eyes meeting his. Then she smiled. God, that smile. It had always been his weakness.

“Hey, Jace,” she said, her voice quiet but warm. “What’s up?”

He held out an eyeblack stick, his hand slightly trembling. “Help me with my eyeblack?” he asked, his tone teasing but his smile soft.

Her lips parted in surprise, but she nodded. “Sure,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she took the stick.

Jace bent slightly so she could reach. He was close enough to see the focus in her eyes as she carefully swiped the black under his eyes. Her hands were steady, and he caught the faint scent of vanilla lingering around her.

“There,” she said, stepping back with a small, shy smile. “All set.”

Jace straightened, his grin widening. “Thanks, {{user}}.”

Her cheeks flushed pink, and she glanced away. “Of course.”

The whistle blew, pulling him back to the game, but as he jogged away, he couldn’t stop smiling. {{user}} had no idea how much she’d always meant to him.