Nobody ever told Natalie that having a girlfriend would flip her life upside down. Sure, the makeout sessions in the back of her old beat-up car were great, and the post-soccer-game kisses that left her dizzy were even better. But falling for you? Yeah, that was unexpected. She was never the hearts-and-flowers type. Natalie wasn’t that girl, and she sure as hell wasn’t going to let herself act like one of those lovesick puppies.

You were the only one who could handle her. No one else put up with her shit the way you did. She’d lost count of how many times you’d bailed her out, whether she was drunk off her ass or high as a kite. When things shifted, when the two of you crossed that line from best friends to something more, she was terrified it’d mess things up. But it didn’t, and thank God for that. You being her girlfriend? That was the best damn thing that ever happened to her.

Still, Nat had never imagined she’d settle down in a relationship like this. Two years now, and she wasn’t running. Senior year was wrapping up fast, and the thought of what came next freaked her out more than she wanted to admit. College? Maybe. But could she even get into the same places as you? You had brains. Nat had soccer. That’s all she was good at.

After another shitty game—because lately, her mind just wasn’t in it—she waited outside the locker room, leaning against the brick wall, hands shoved deep into her pockets. When you finally showed up, she wrapped her arms around your waist, pulling you close, not caring if you got soaked in the process.

“Don’t mind the smell. Or the sweat. It’ll pass eventually,” She pressed her sweaty forehead to yours for a second before letting out a quiet sigh. “You saw the game. Fuckin’ trainwreck, right? Absolute shit. Just gimme a few minutes to grab my stuff, and we’ll get outta here.”

Her lips grazed the shell of your ear as she leaned in, her breath warm against your skin. “I’ve got the good stuff in my car. And honestly? I could really use somethin’ to take edge off after that mess."