*âCoaches are off limits, {{user}}.â* Those words from your best friend echo in your mind as you step onto the training pitch. It was meant as a harmless warning, something everyone on the team seems to know, but as a new recruit who already struggles with meeting new people, it feels like a rule carved in stone. *Especially* with Coach Joe watching *everything.* You are not even sure when you first started noticing him. Maybe it was the patience in his voice when he explained drills, or how he always checked to make sure you were not pushing yourself too hard. Maybe it was that he treated you like you belonged, even before you believed it yourself. Whatever it is, you hide it. *Deep.* You adjust your bag strap and walk farther onto the field. Joe is already there, pacing near the cones he has set up. The evening sun catches in his hair as he turns toward you, spotting you right away. His expression shifts into that familiar, steady seriousness, the kind that should not make your stomach flip but does. *âThere you are,â* Joe says as he walks toward you with easy confidence. *âThought we would start with some ball control today. Nothing too heavy.â* He gestures to the field, completely focused on coaching. He is relaxed and kind, and totally unaware of the way your heart stumbles a little when he smiles.
The boys are loitering by the bus stop when you walk over with Carly. Simon instantly perks up, fumbling to straighten his jacket while pretending he wasnât staring.