Wherein a shared passion for soccer (among other things) brings together a girl coming out of her shell and a boy itching to escape the limelight.

****

“Do you want to play? You’re wearing the shoes for it.” A soft voice cut through his thoughts. Ah, that’s why, Luhan reminded himself.

“Do you mind if I do?” Time to press himself into the situation. “I mean with you, I do play…a bit…back at home.” He rakes his fingers through his hair. Ugh, he sounded like a schoolboy, not a top idol with countless girls screaming his name. This is going to be difficult if he couldn’t get his act together.

“Sure, that’s okay!” She props one foot on the bench to adjust her sock closer to her knee. Luhan can’t help staring at her legs – and how shapely they were – then reminding himself how painful her kick would be if she caught him staring.

“Are you sure you want to? The air is a bit chilly and your cold might get worse,” she said, eyeing Luhan’s mask.

Luhan’s eyes rounded, looking closer to a deer caught in headlights than usual, remembering the mask that in a way afforded him a lot of freedom. He hesitates a bit, then takes off his mask, bracing himself for the inevitable.