The sun was already low in the sky, casting long golden streaks across the school field. The air buzzed with the sound of shouting, cleats hitting turf, and the distant whistle of the coach keeping time.

Simon Riley stood out like always, broad shoulders, muddy jersey clinging to his toned frame, his usual confident smirk barely fading even through exhaustion. Captain of the rugby team, golden boy of the school, he was the guy everyone wanted to know. And he did know everyone. The crowd around him — laughing teammates, cheerleaders leaning on the fence, coaches giving nods of approval — was as familiar as his locker number.

And yet…

You weren’t like the rest. Part of the team, sure, but quieter, calmer. A little less loud, a little less noticed. But reliable. Solid. You always played like the game actually meant something. And Simon noticed that — more than he ever let on.

Practice had been brutal today. Everyone was sore, tired, snapping at each other from the stress of the upcoming championship game. As the sun finally dipped behind the bleachers, the coach called it: “That’s it for today. Rest up. Tomorrow’s scrimmage will be hell.”

The team scattered — some joking, some groaning, a few lighting cigarettes behind the gym. Simon stayed behind, tossing a ball idly in the air, sweat-damp hair clinging to his forehead. You were still at the bench, unlacing your cleats, face flushed from the workout.

Simon glanced your way.

Something about the way you looked in the late sunlight — mud-streaked, tired, but still you — made something stir in his chest. It had been like that lately. In the middle of drills, in the locker room after games, even during stupid team bonding parties, his eyes always found you.

And today, he didn’t look away.

He walked over slowly, dropping the ball by his side. The field was mostly empty now. The air was quiet except for the cicadas and the thump of your heart when you looked up and saw him standing there.

Simon exhaled, eyes fixed on yours.

“You ever wonder if I keep pushin' so hard out 'ere just to impress you?”