Maddox

Being in love and admitting it is life-changing. I’m happier, and it feels like a rock has been lifted off my chest. Breathing is easier.

I’m sweaty from running around on the field all day. Exhausted. Limbs shaking. Legs begging for a rest. It’s like every other day, but there is a difference-food isn’t on my mind. Michelle is.

She is standing up. I’m happy to see her, thrilled she stayed here for the entire duration of the practice.

Michelle is amazing.

She saw Jason tackle me, and the idiot took it too far. I ended up eating the dirt on the ground. And I can see the concern in Michelle’s eyebrows as I approach.

“Bet you’re going to cry to your girlfriend now,” Jason says from behind me when I take off my helmet. “Are you going to shed a couple of crocodile tears to get what you want?” Michelle is by my side instantly, ignoring Jason and instead focusing on me. A crease has formed between her eyebrows. “Did you hurt yourself? Any area that you want me to look at?”

“No, I’m totally fine…” I mutter, throwing down my helmet on the ground. All I want is a hug, but Michelle seems more interested in scanning my body for injuries.

Jason snorts when Michelle places her hands on me. I turn around to bark at him, but I fall silent when I notice Jason doesn’t smirk. He is pouting, and it looks like it’s from jealousy.

Ha-ha, could it be the damn sucker is wishing to find a girlfriend to call his own?

Sure looks like it.

I bend down and pretend to be more injured than I actually am to spite him. Michelle is stroking her hand over a bruise on my arm, and I meet Jason’s eyes when she doesn’t see me doing it. I’m a child, but Jason deserves it. I stick out my tongue to spite him.

“Oh-my-god, Maddox!” Michelle exclaims. “You have like the biggest bruise on your arm! How did you get that?” Jason’s eyes narrow, and my chest swells when I see his bubbling jealousy. I’m gloating. Yes, Michelle, feel sorry for me and touch me with your sweet, delicate hands. Help me make Jason realize being alone sucks.

“I will continue looking at you once we get to your place,” Michelle informs me and shudders at the wind. She rubs her arms up and down with her hands. “Is it just me, or is it cold today?”

“It’s cold today,” I grab my backpack and take out a clean, black hoodie before handing it to Michelle. “Wear this.”

“Oh, wow, thank you,” Michelle beams up at me while bringing it up and over her head. “You prepared yourself for everything. Thank you again. It’s super comfortable.”

“No problem.”

it with me for her sake. It would be embarrassing. I’m turning sappy, goddamn it. I’m a giant marshmallow,

think of my new outfit?” Michelle spins around in a circle. My hoodie reaches past her knees, and I try not to laugh. With her brown hair

enough to speak her mind, “It suits me? Wow, you’re such a liar, Maddox. It’s too big for me! I thought you would tell me if something looked bad on

down there, shorty. It’s hard to tell if it looks good or not.

the face yet giving in to a

“Honest.” I correct her.

“S-Shut up, you asshole!

her a glimpse of my teeth. “Can’t you handle

and tap her teasingly on the head. “You look adorable, Michelle. Really stinking cute. But then

kind

lift an eyebrow. “I must say you’re brave for insulting

to meet

I’m expecting a hug here.” “Okay, okay. So bossy.” Michelle yelps and laughs delightfully when I pull her feet off the ground. I wrap

sling around my neck, and her brilliant eyes meet mine. We haven’t really done anything remotely affectionate, so this is new. Her proximity

How the fuck am I supposed to get to first base

admitted I like her, and we are

hundred

her teeth into her lower lip, trying to hold back a smile that then just sort of explodes. Her cheeks are

to god, her awkwardness is infectious. I’m suddenly blushing, BLUSHING while holding her.

casually travel down from my shoulders to my biceps.

thumping fast in rhythm with mine. Gosh, what is happening to us? “I’m sorry…” Michelle says. She suddenly sounds extremely insecure and squeezes me in a hug. “I

her because I feel the same way. “Me

I’ve just run a mile, even though I’m just

Whatever.

Doesn’t matter.

in a breath to sniff her hair as discreetly as

Rituals mixed with her own. I want to bury my nose

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