The golden hues of the setting sun painted the sky as you strolled past the school field, your mind lost in thought. The distant shouts of the football team echoed through the air, punctuated by the rhythmic thud of the ball meeting the ground.

At the center of it all was him—the team captain. Connor Leman. Tall, muscular, with unruly brown hair and piercing green eyes, he had the kind of presence that made people stop and stare. His reputation preceded him—a so-called bad boy—but those who truly knew him saw the loyalty and kindness beneath.

You were almost past the field, just a few steps from the parking lot, when—wham!—something struck your head. Stars danced in your vision as you stumbled back, a sharp sting pulsing through your skull.

“Shit! Are you okay?” a deep voice called out.

Blinking away the daze, you looked up—only to find him jogging toward you, concern flickering in those green eyes.