A Game of Hearts

Chapter 4: Game Day Excitement

Saturday arrived quicker than Poppy expected, and with it, the exhilarating buzz of game day. Ohio State's campus was transformed. Everywhere she looked, students and fans were decked out in the team's scarlet and gray colors, ready to cheer on the Buckeyes. The energy was electric, and even though Poppy had never been much of a football fan, she couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement.She had spent most of the morning deciding what to wear, wanting to strike a balance between casual and supportive. In the end, she chose a simple Ohio State hoodie paired with jeans, her hair tied up in a loose ponytail. It wasn't fancy, but it made her feel like part of the team's fanbase, which she hoped would help calm her nerves. After all, it wasn't just any game—it was her first time attending one because of Emeka.Emeka had texted her the night before with the details: "You'll be sitting in the family section, just behind the team benches. I'll leave a ticket for you at Will Call. Can't wait to see you there."The family section. That made her a bit nervous. Would she be surrounded by players' families? Would they ask who she was or why she was there? The thought of sitting among parents and siblings who lived and breathed football made her stomach churn slightly. But at the same time, the idea of being close to Emeka, watching him in his element, gave her a thrill she couldn't deny.As she made her way to the stadium, weaving through the crowds of excited fans, her phone buzzed with a message.**Mia**: I hope you're ready for this! You better send me pics of you two after the game 😉Poppy smiled at her friend's text, feeling a bit more grounded. Mia had been ecstatic when Poppy told her about the coffee date with Emeka, and she hadn't stopped teasing her about it all week.After picking up her ticket at Will Call, Poppy entered the stadium. The Horseshoe, as it was affectionately known, was massive. The roar of the crowd, the sea of scarlet and gray, and the energy vibrating through the air was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. Her heart pounded in her chest as she found her seat, her eyes scanning the field, where players were warming up.Even though it was still early, the stands were already packed, with fans cheering and waving their Ohio State flags. Poppy felt a sense of awe as she took it all in. This was more than just a game—it was a tradition, a community that came together to celebrate the Buckeyes.After settling into her seat, she glanced down at her phone to pass the time, only to look up when the team finally took the field for the pregame. The roar of the crowd erupted as the players emerged from the tunnel, helmets glinting under the stadium lights. Her eyes immediately sought out Emeka, number 2, running onto the field with the rest of the team. He looked confident, focused, and every bit the star player she'd heard so much about.Watching him in his element—his focus, his determination—made her heart race for reasons she couldn't fully explain. It was one thing to see him casually over coffee, but seeing him like this, under the bright lights of the stadium, surrounded by thousands of fans chanting for him and the team, was something else entirely.Poppy wasn't exactly sure when it happened, but somewhere between the kickoff and the first quarter, she found herself completely wrapped up in the game. Every play felt like a momentous occasion, every cheer from the crowd echoing through her. And when Emeka caught his first pass of the game, gaining a good twenty yards, she couldn't help but jump to her feet, clapping along with the rest of the fans."That's my boy!" someone shouted a few seats down, a woman who Poppy assumed was Emeka's family member. She grinned, feeling a sense of pride that she had no right to feel—but there it was, warm and glowing inside her chest.By halftime, Ohio State was leading, and the stadium was buzzing with energy. Poppy had never experienced anything like it. The cheers, the chants, the camaraderie—it was intoxicating. She took a deep breath, feeling the exhilaration in the air. As the halftime show began, she received another text, this one from Emeka.**Emeka**: I see you in the crowd. You look good in scarlet and gray 😉Poppy's heart fluttered, and she glanced around, trying to see where he could possibly be spotting her from. The idea that he had noticed her, even in the midst of the game, sent a thrill through her.**Poppy**: I see you too. You're killing it out there!She settled back into her seat, a smile tugging at her lips as the game resumed. The second half of the game was even more intense, with the opposing team fighting to close the gap. Poppy found herself on the edge of her seat, especially when Emeka caught another pass, this one in the end zone. The crowd erupted into deafening cheers, and Poppy couldn't contain her excitement, jumping to her feet with the rest of the fans, clapping and cheering wildly."That's my Emeka!" the same woman from earlier cheered, her voice full of pride.Poppy's smile widened as she realized how much she was enjoying this experience. Being here, watching Emeka shine on the field, made her feel like she was part of something bigger. She was beginning to understand why football held such a special place in people's hearts.As the game drew to a close, Ohio State secured a decisive win, and the stands erupted in celebration. The players began making their way off the field, waving to the crowd and celebrating with their teammates. Poppy stayed in her seat, waiting as the crowd started to thin out, her heart still racing from the excitement of it all.Just as she was about to leave, she felt a tap on her shoulder."Hey."She turned around to see Emeka standing there, still in his uniform, his helmet tucked under his arm and his face slightly flushed from the game. He had a huge grin on his face, and Poppy's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him up close."Hey," she replied, unable to keep the smile off her face. "You were amazing out there."Emeka shrugged, though there was a sparkle in his eyes. "Thanks. I saw you cheering. It was nice having someone special in the crowd."Poppy's cheeks flushed at his words, but before she could respond, he reached out and gently took her hand."You want to grab a late dinner or something?" he asked, his voice low and casual, but with a hint of something more.Poppy felt a rush of warmth as she nodded. "Yeah, I'd love that."And with that, Emeka led her out of the stadium, their hands intertwined as they walked through the sea of fans, the night filled with the echoes of victory and the start of something new between them.