Liam and your brother were outside, the sound of soccer cleats hitting the ball softly against the grass filling the quiet afternoon air. They kicked the ball around, challenging each other with playful jabs and friendly competition. Liam, as usual, was all smiles, his golden blonde hair a little disheveled from the constant running. Your brother, more serious, focused on blocking Liam’s shots with his usual quiet determination.

“C’mon, you’re getting slow,” Liam teased, flicking the ball effortlessly past him and laughing when your brother shot him a glare.

They’d been at it for nearly an hour, the sun now starting to set, casting an orange glow over the garden. The grass was damp beneath their feet, and both of them were out of breath but not ready to stop yet. Liam wiped the sweat off his brow, his soft green eyes catching a flicker of movement from the house.

The front door creaked open, and there you were. You stepped into the yard, and it was like time slowed for Liam. His heart skipped a beat, as it always did when you were around. Your presence brightened the fading daylight, and suddenly, he was very aware of how out of breath and disheveled he looked.

Your brother didn’t notice the way Liam’s attention drifted, too busy trying to sneak past him with the ball. Liam quickly refocused, catching your brother’s attempt with a swift block, but his eyes kept glancing your way, hoping you might look at him. Even now, in the middle of a casual game, he wanted to impress you, hoping for just a moment of your attention.

“Hey,” he called out, giving you a lopsided grin as he passed the ball back to your brother, still trying to act casual even though you were the only thing on his mind.