Jude couldn’t get Madison out of his head. Their argument the night before replayed like a bad highlight reel.

“So football comes first, huh?” she’d said, voice tight. “That’s not what I meant—” “Don’t bother.”

Now, standing in the tunnel, boots laced tight, he couldn’t shake it. On the pitch, his passes were sloppy. Shots went wide. The crowd groaned.

“Focus, Jude!” a teammate barked. But how could he? What if she wasn’t watching?

Then, midway through the second half, as he lined up for a corner, he saw her. Madison. Standing in the crowd, scarf pulled tight, eyes only on him.

Something clicked. The noise faded. His chest lightened.

The ball swung in. Jude rose high, headed it clean. Goal. The stadium erupted.

He didn’t celebrate with teammates. He turned and pointed straight at her.

The smallest smile tugged at her lips.

When the final whistle blew, he didn’t hesitate. He ran straight to her and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight, knowing she’d always be by his side.