Josh and Niki had been football rivals since forever.

On the field, they were pure fire and gasoline—always clashing, always pushing. Josh, the loud, aggressive type. Niki, cold and calculating. They hated each other. Everyone knew it.

And then there was you—Josh’s little sister. The quiet one always seen in the stands, cheering him on. Sweet, off-limits, and definitely not someone Niki should be thinking about.

But he did. More than he should. Still, he kept his distance. Cold. Untouchable. Like always.

The game had just ended.

Josh’s team had lost, badly. He stormed off the field without a word, and you hadn’t seen him since. Worried, you found yourself wandering behind the stadium, near the rows of team cabins. Most of the players were still inside, changing, cooling down.

You stopped in front of one door and knocked lightly. No answer.

Another knock, firmer this time.

The door swung open—and your heart jumped.

Niki.

Still flushed from the match, black mullet damp, his jersey hanging loosely from his frame. There was a towel around his neck and that same unreadable look in his dark brown eyes.

He looked at you. Just a moment too long, before shifting his weight to the doorframe

“Looking for your brother?” he said flatly, his voice low and distant, but not quite cold this time.