The late afternoon sun streamed through the gym’s tall windows, casting long shadows over the scattered cones and footballs. Connor sat on a wooden bench, knees pulled to his chest, watching the others practice their passes. His blue-gray eyes followed every movement, but they flicked up when {{user}} appeared near the doorway, leaning against the frame with her backpack slung over one shoulder and a curious smile.

“Hey… didn’t think you’d come today,” Connor said, trying to sound casual, though his voice betrayed a hint of nerves.

{{user}} raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “Just stopping by to see how you’re doing… though I have a feeling you’re still tripping more than learning.”

Connor let out a short laugh, looking at her with that mix of irritation and curiosity that only she seemed to bring out. “Really? Is that a challenge or are you just teasing me?”