The buzz of Philadelphia was electric as the Eagles prepared for another primetime game at Lincoln Financial Field. Jalen Hurts had been laser-focused all week, reviewing plays, perfecting his timing, and making sure everything was in place. But no matter how locked in he was, one person always found a way to sneak into his thoughts—Y/N Y/L/N.You had been friends with Jalen since college, always supporting each other through life's ups and downs. But over the years, something had shifted. The connection you shared was deeper, more meaningful than either of you had expected. Jalen wasn't just thinking about you as a friend anymore—he couldn't deny that he had fallen for you.The afternoon before the game, you met Jalen at the stadium, where the pre-game walk-through had just wrapped up. You were wearing an oversized Eagles hoodie, a gift Jalen had given you, and as he spotted you, his serious game-day expression softened into a smile."Y/N," he called out, jogging over to you. "You always manage to calm me down before these big games. How do you do it?"You laughed, meeting his gaze. "Maybe it's because you know I'll be there, no matter what happens. You've got this, J."He nodded, his smile widening, but there was a different look in his eyes today—something that made your heart race. "You always say the right things," he murmured, almost to himself."You nervous?" you asked, tilting your head."Not about the game," he replied, then hesitated for a second before continuing, "I've been thinking about something... about us."Your eyes met his, and you felt a flutter of anticipation. "What do you mean?"Jalen rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly unsure. "I don't know if I can keep pretending that I'm just your friend, Y/N. You mean more to me than that. You always have."The air around you seemed to freeze as his words sank in. You had always known there was something more between you and Jalen, but hearing him say it out loud felt surreal."Jalen..." you began, your voice soft.He stepped closer, his intense gaze never leaving yours. "I can't stop thinking about you, even when I should be focused on football. I want to be more than your friend, if you feel the same."Your heart pounded in your chest as you searched his face. He looked vulnerable in a way you had never seen before, his confidence replaced by raw honesty. It was a side of Jalen Hurts that the world didn't see, but it was the side of him you had always cherished."I do," you finally whispered, taking a step closer. "I've felt the same way for a long time, but I didn't know how to say it."A slow, relieved smile spread across Jalen's face. "Then let me make this official," he said softly, reaching out to take your hand in his. His thumb brushed over your knuckles as he spoke, "After the game, let me take you out. Just us."You smiled, squeezing his hand. "I'd like that."As the evening fell and game time approached, Jalen gave you one last look before heading into the locker room. "I'm going to play my heart out tonight. For you."You laughed, your chest tightening with emotion. "No pressure, right?"He winked, then disappeared into the stadium. That night, as you watched Jalen lead the Eagles to victory, every throw, every decision on the field seemed sharper, more precise. And you knew—you weren't just watching a great quarterback, you were watching the man who had just won your heart.---After the game, Jalen found you waiting for him, his jersey still sweaty and his face flushed with triumph. Without a word, he pulled you into a hug, the energy of the night still coursing through both of you."That was for you," he whispered into your hair, holding you tight.You pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, your heart full. "And I'm here for you."
