Red Secrets (Marcus Rashford)

Old trafford

*The next day*

When i finally arrived at Old trafford, it was alive with energy, as I navigated the stadium's corridors. I was led to the players' changing rooms, where I was sure Jadon would be getting ready for the big match. But as soon as I stepped inside, it was Marcus who greeted me.

The moment he saw me, his eyes lit up with a smile that was both warm and mischievous. He was already in his kit, looking effortlessly handsome, and the sight of him sent a small, unexpected thrill through me.

"Sofia," he said softly, as though my name were a secret he wanted to keep just between us. He crossed the room in a few quick strides, pulling me into a hug that felt more intimate than I was prepared for. "I'm so glad you're here."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. But as he stepped back, his eyes never left mine, and I could feel a blush creeping up my neck.

Marcus's gaze drifted down to the Manchester United shirt I was wearing Jadon's name and number printed on the back. His smile turned sly as he leaned in close, so close that I could feel his breath against my ear. "You look incredible in that shirt, Sofia," he murmured, his voice low and smooth. "But you know what would make it even better?"

"What's that?" I asked, my voice coming out quieter than I intended. My heart was racing, making it hard to think.

His lips almost brushed my ear as he whispered, "If it had my name on it instead."

I felt a surge of heat rush to my face, and my breath caught in my throat. The way he was speaking to me sent a shiver down my spine. "Marcus..." I began, but I didn't know what to say.

Marcus pulled back slightly, just enough to look into my eyes, his expression full of mischief. "Don't get me wrong, Jadon's great, but imagine how amazing you'd look with 'Rashford' on your back, Sofia."

I bit my lip, trying to suppress my smile, "You're something else, you know that?"

He chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with flirtation. "I'm just telling you the truth. You're already turning heads, but with my name on that shirt? Let's just say I'd be one very proud guy."

The heat in my cheeks intensified, and I looked away, trying to hide just how flustered I was. But Marcus wasn't done. He leaned in again, his voice a soft whisper in my ear, "You know, I've got a spare shirt with my name on it. All you have to do is say the word, and it's yours."

I swallowed hard, my thoughts spinning as I tried to process his words. He was being so bold, so direct, that I didn't know how to respond. "I—uh, I appreciate the offer, Marcus," I managed to say, my voice shaky with the nerves he was so expertly stirring up.

He pulled back just enough to give me that grin again, clearly pleased with himself. "Just think about it," he said, his tone still low and secretive, as if this were a private game between the two of us. "You'd look incredible, Sofia. And I wouldn't mind the bragging rights, either."

I felt a flutter of nerves in my stomach, unsure of how to handle the way he was making me feel. It was thrilling, but also confusing. I was here for Jadon, but Marcus's attention was impossible to ignore.

Before I could respond, Marcus gave me one last wink and stepped back fully, letting me breathe again. "Enjoy the match, Sofia," he said, his voice returning to normal, though his eyes still held that teasing glint. "And remember, the offer's always open."

As he turned to rejoin the team, I was left standing there, my heart still pounding and my face still flushed.

As I stood there, trying to calm my racing heart, I saw Jadon walking toward me with that familiar, easygoing smile on his face. Relief washed over me, grounding me back to reality, away from the whirlwind of Marcus's flirtation.