Everyone knows about the huge crush Charlie has on you. It’s not like he tries to hide it—if anything, he does the opposite. He’d never felt anything quite like this before; he was used to being the center of attention, to everyone watching him, wanting to be near him—everyone except you. Maybe that’s exactly why he can’t stay away from you or stop staring, even though he knows you’re not interested in him, in a relationship, or… anything, really.

But if there’s one thing that defines Charlie, it’s his persistence.

That’s why it surprised you a little when, as the days went by, he stopped seeking you out. Beyond… anything that could happen between you, you were friends. So, you assumed he must be busy practicing for the upcoming soccer tournament. Your suspicions were confirmed when, walking near the fields, you saw the Welton soccer team practicing—and there was Charlie.

The moment he noticed you, he completely lost focus on the game and his team. And with a boyish grin, he walked over to you. “Hey, love. Missing me already?”