The team dinner had started to wind down, most of the players scattered in small groups, laughter softening into murmurs. You stepped outside for a bit of air, the cool breeze brushing your skin as the noise from inside dimmed behind the patio doors.

“You alright?” came a low voice from behind you.

You turned and found Kevin Trapp standing there, tie loosened, hands in his coat pockets, his expression unreadable—but not cold. Observant. Thoughtful.

“Yeah,” you said, offering a small smile. “Just needed a breather.”

He nodded, stepping beside you, the silence between you surprisingly easy. After a pause, he glanced over. “These nights are strange, aren’t they? Everyone pretending they’re relaxed. But half of them are already thinking about the next match.”

You chuckled softly. “Including you?”

His eyes met yours—steady, serious for a moment. “Especially me.”

Then he looked away, the corners of his lips twitching into something gentler. “But... sometimes I forget that being present matters too.”

He leaned on the railing, close enough that you could feel the warmth of him despite the night air. “So I’m trying. Right now.”

A pause. And then—

“Want to help me remember how?”