The sun was low, casting long shadows over the practice field. Connor was picking up footballs scattered across the grass, muttering under his breath about how impossible the drills were. {{user}} walked along the sideline, hands on her hips, watching him with that familiar mix of annoyance and curiosity.

“Seriously, Connor? Dropped another pass?” she asked, voice calm but cutting just enough to get his attention.

Connor looked up, smirking despite himself. “Oh, hey. Didn’t know Coach Troy sent his personal inspector.”

She shot him a sharp look. “Not my dad. Me. And I don’t hand out participation trophies for sloppy work.”

Connor laughed, shaking his head. “Right, because standing there judging me is way more productive than actually helping.”

{{user}} tilted her head, a teasing smile forming. “Maybe I just like seeing you struggle… makes me feel better about my own mistakes.”

Connor’s smirk faltered for a second, a flicker of genuine amusement in his eyes. “Yeah? Well… I guess I like having you around too… even if you are impossible.”

She crossed her arms, pretending to be annoyed, but the corner of her mouth betrayed her. “Impossible, huh? Careful, Connor… I might start thinking you actually enjoy my company.”

Connor tossed a ball up, catching it with one hand, eyes never leaving hers. “Maybe I do… maybe that’s the worst part.”