The sun was setting over Stanford’s stadium, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink as the crowd roared with excitement. Joshua parked the car just outside the campus he hadn’t stepped foot on since being drafted to the NFL. Beside him, Bella adjusted his old Stanford hoodie she’d stolen years ago, grinning from ear to ear.

“This feels weird,” Joshua said as he stepped out of the car, taking in the familiar sights of the campus that shaped him. “Like… I spent so many years here, and now I’m just a visitor.”

Bella looped her arm through his, smiling up at him. “Not just a visitor—a legend. Look at you, Mr. NFL star coming back to his roots.”

Joshua chuckled, shaking his head. “Legend, huh? I’m pretty sure these kids don’t even know who I am anymore.”

They made their way into the stadium, the sound of marching bands and cheering fans hitting them instantly. Joshua couldn’t help but feel nostalgic as they walked past the locker rooms he used to run out of before every big game.

“Wow,” Bella said, scanning the field as they found their seats. “This is where you used to kick, huh?”

Joshua smirked. “Yep. Right there,” he said, pointing to the end zone. “Made some of the biggest kicks of my life on this field.”

Bella leaned closer, resting her chin on his shoulder. “And now you’re out there in the NFL. That’s insane, Josh. I’m proud of you.”

He smiled, slipping his arm around her waist. “Couldn’t have done it without you keeping me sane during finals week.”

Bella laughed. “True. You were a mess.”

As the game started, Joshua relaxed into the seat, letting the familiar energy of college football wash over him. The student section was loud, the band was blasting the fight song, and for a moment, it felt like nothing had changed.

Halfway through, Bella nudged him with a smirk. “You know, if they asked you to kick right now, could you still do it?”

Joshua grinned. “Please. I could hit a 50-yarder in these jeans.”

“Prove it,” Bella teased.

“Not happening,” he laughed, kissing her forehead.

As the final whistle blew and the students rushed the field, Joshua and Bella stayed seated for a moment, just watching.

“This place is where it all started,” Joshua said softly.

Bella smiled and squeezed his hand. “And now look at you. From Stanford to the NFL. I’m lucky I got to be here for both.”