The "Love" That'll Break You

Skylar and Taylor had grown closer since that first day—both in their style of play and emotionally. The connection between them was undeniable. At practice, they exchanged knowing glances across the field; during team events, their subtle touches and the way their hands almost brushed when they walked together spoke volumes. There was a quiet, unspoken bond that neither of them could ignore, even if neither was brave enough to address it directly.

Skylar's POV

Sitting in the darkened film room, watching the defense break down on screen for what felt like the hundredth time, I couldn't help but zone out. The coaches were relentless in their critiques, highlighting every mistake we made—every misstep, every missed opportunity. And don't get me wrong, I welcomed the criticism; it was the only way to grow. But today? Today, I was just... not in the headspace for it.

"Alright, that's enough for today. Let's head out to the field. Those who can drive, please take those who can't with you," Coach Barrett announced, breaking through my mental fog.

Addison and Jenn—my go-to duo, my big sisters in this new world—immediately offered me a ride. I didn't even need to ask. Windows down, the wind in our hair, and the music blaring, the drive to the field was just five minutes, but it felt like a taste of freedom. As a freshman, hanging out with seniors like Addison and Jenn was something I never imagined I'd get to do.

As I stepped onto the field, I caught a flash of familiar eyes. They were staring at me—intensely, knowingly. It was Taylor, standing off to the side, looking as effortlessly cool as ever. I quickly looked away, focusing on my cleats, trying to settle my nerves.

It's nothing, Skylar. Don't overthink it. Just focus on practice.

I told myself that, but of course, the game went as usual—normal, but there was a tension in the air, something between Taylor and me that I couldn't ignore. Maybe it wasn't nothing after all.

The Next Day

The film room was packed again, and once more, Taylor and I found ourselves sitting side by side. We were supposed to be paying attention to the game footage, but it was nearly impossible when you had Taylor sitting so close, her presence filling up every inch of space between us. And then, she did it—she perched herself comfortably on my lap.

"Sorry, no other seats," she said with that mischievous grin of hers that could melt anyone into a puddle.

It was almost impossible to concentrate on the game when Taylor was practically on top of me. Her weight on my lap, her proximity, her playful smirk—it was all too much. My mind raced, trying to focus on the film, but I could barely keep my thoughts together with her so close.

"Come on, Skylar, pay attention," she whispered, teasing me.

I nodded absentmindedly, even though both of us knew I wasn't exactly watching the footage. I'd seen this film a million times before anyway.

Taylor was a distraction in the best possible way. Our bodies being so close together and Taylor seeming enjoying trying to make me lose focus , ignites a fire within me that had nothing to do with the game.

"You're riding to the field with me today," Taylor whispers to me.

I just nod in agreement not wanting to get us in trouble for not paying attention. Even though we both know I was not paying attention. It's okay though don't worry we've watched the same film many times before.

As we filed out of the room after the session, Jenn was yelling at me to hurry up. I glanced between Jenn, Addison, and the car they were already piling into, and then over at Taylor, who was already waiting by her car, watching me like a hawk. If looks could kill, Taylor would've shot lasers straight through me.

"I think I'm going to ride with Taylor today," I said, my voice a little too calm, trying to hide the excitement in my chest.

Jenn shot me a knowing look, but she nodded and drove off with Addison.

I walked over to Taylor's car and slid into the passenger seat. She didn't say anything right away, but I could feel the weight of the silence as she started the engine. The short drive to the field felt like an eternity, and the moment I thought she was going to speak, she broke the silence with a smirk.

"You really were going to ditch me for Jenn again?" she asked, her voice teasing, but with a hint of something else—something deeper.

I laughed softly, trying to hide the heat rising in my cheeks. "What?"

"You looked like a deer caught in headlights when Jenn offered you a ride. After I had already said I wanted you to ride with me," she said, sass dripping from her words.

I could tell she was just messing with me, but it made my stomach do flips.

"You're kidding," I replied, half-laughing, half-panicking.

"Maybe I am," she said, but the glint in her eye told me she was enjoying this far too much. "But you'll never know."

She parked the car with a flourish, throwing it into park before hopping out.

I scrambled out of the car, catching up to her in a few quick steps. "Come on now, T," I said, my voice softer than usual, and I could feel the shift in the air the moment I said it. My nickname for her. She stopped in her tracks, a small pause, a flicker of something in her eyes.

Without thinking, I reached out and caught her hand, halting her completely. She turned to face me, her breath catching, her eyes wide and unreadable.

I stared at her, feeling the heat of the moment, the electricity that passed between us. "Okay then, how about this? From here on out, it'll always be you. No matter what."

I felt my heart slam in my chest, and I immediately regretted it. What am I doing? I mentally berated myself, trying to push back the sudden surge of emotion.

But with Taylor, it was different. I couldn't pretend it wasn't. There was something undeniable about the way she made me feel—something I couldn't escape, no matter how much I tried.

3rd Person

Skylar, despite the growing feelings, was hesitant to reveal them to Taylor. She didn't want to ruin what they had, to make things awkward between them. Their friendship—everything she had with Taylor—was too important. So, she buried her feelings deep inside, focusing on the game, pushing her emotions aside.

But as the season neared its end, Skylar found herself admiring Taylor more and more—not just for her skills on the field, but for the way she supported her teammates, her passion for the game, and the way she made everyone around her feel like they mattered. Skylar's feelings for Taylor were impossible to ignore, and though she longed to be closer to her, to tell her how she truly felt, she kept everything locked away.

The final game of the season came and went—a hard-fought battle that ended in a tough 2-1 loss during overtime in the district playoffs. It had been a season of growth, of building chemistry. And that chemistry between Skylar and Taylor on the field was undeniable. As defenders, they had formed an almost intuitive understanding of each other's moves, and despite the loss, Skylar couldn't help but feel proud of how far they had come.

Skylar and Taylor promised to keep in touch over the summer, but life had a way of getting in the way. And as the months passed, they drifted apart, their communication fading just as quickly as the season had. But when they reunited, as seasons always turn over, they'd have so much to catch up on. And Skylar couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, this summer would be the one where she finally stopped hiding her feelings.