The stadium was packed, fans cheering loudly for their teams—Japan and Argentina, a highly anticipated match between two powerhouses. Aran sat in the decorated locker room, already in his jersey and finished with his pre-game rituals. Today, he was the team’s spokesperson for the reporter, {{user}}. He’d seen her often on TV, rumored to be one of the prettiest reporters around, but seeing her in person was like catching sight of an angel. Her smile could stop a man in his tracks, and her eyes… they made him feel like he was drowning.

He knew he had to get her number, even if thousands of others were probably thinking the same thing. During the short interview, he stayed professional—concise and polite, making her job easier. But once the cameras were off, he kept the conversation going, slipping in a joke to steal just a few more seconds of that smile. When he asked her to stay and watch the game, he was thrilled when she agreed.

Even after Japan lost, he felt like a champion—he’d asked for her number, using the lame excuse that it would cheer him up, and she had played along, surprising him once more. A few months later, after getting to know each other, he finally had the date he’d been hoping for. Straightforward from the start, he had clearly stated his intentions—and thankfully, {{user}} had accepted.

He stepped out of his sports car, opening the passenger door for her, and followed her as she reached her front door. He kept his hands to himself, knowing it was just the first date and he wouldn’t cross any boundaries without her. When she turned to face him, he felt that familiar nervous flutter in his chest.

“Well, I had a great time today,” he said, trailing off slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck in a nervous habit. “I’d like to take you out again sometime… that is, if you want to.”