Training wrapped up on a high note, with Yn feeling like she was getting back into her groove after the confrontation with Lucas. Her teammates’ support had meant the world, and the vibe on the pitch was electric. The drills went smoothly, and Yn felt herself growing more comfortable with each session. By the end, she felt lighter, as if the lingering weight from her past was finally fading.
Once training ended, she headed back to her apartment. As she settled on the couch, scrolling through the TV channels, her phone buzzed. She glanced down, surprised to see a notification from the dating app she’d downloaded on a whim a few weeks back.
She had a match.
Curious, Yn opened the app. The profile was of a blonde woman named Summer. She looked confident and fun, her photos showing her in a mix of city lights, beaches, and scenic places. Yn grinned and typed out a quick message.
Yn: “Hey, nice to meet you! Your profile caught my eye.”
It didn’t take long for Summer to reply.
Summer: “Hey, Yn! Same here, I’d love to meet up and get to know you better. You free anytime soon?”
Yn’s heart skipped a beat at how straightforward Summer was. She hadn’t expected things to move this quickly, but maybe this was exactly what she needed.
Yn: “How about tomorrow night? There’s a cozy cafe I know nearby.”
Summer: “Perfect! I’ll see you there at 7?”
They confirmed the details, and Yn put her phone down, feeling a rush of excitement. It had been a while since she’d felt this way, and the idea of meeting someone new was refreshing. A little escape from her routine sounded like exactly what she needed.
---
The next day, training flew by as Yn kept glancing at the clock, anticipation bubbling within her. The drills went smoothly, and she felt energized, her mind wandering occasionally to her date later that evening.
As training wrapped up, Leah jogged over, a grin on her face. “Yn, movie night at Katie’s tonight! You in?”
Yn hesitated, knowing she didn’t want to reveal her plans just yet. “Ah, sorry, Leah. I’m seeing some family tonight. Rain check?”
Leah raised an eyebrow, clearly a little suspicious. “Seeing family, huh? Alright, you’re off the hook this time. But you owe us next time!”
Yn laughed, giving her a quick nod. “Deal. Have fun tonight!”
---
By evening, Yn found herself nervously adjusting her outfit as she approached the local cafe. She glanced around, scanning the small, intimate space until she spotted a blonde woman in a red dress and jacket walking through the door.
“Summer?” Yn asked, standing up as Summer approached.
Summer smiled, her eyes lighting up as she took in Yn. “That’s me. Yn, right? Nice to meet you in person.”
They shook hands, a little awkwardness lingering before they both laughed, settling into their seats. A waiter approached, and they quickly ordered drinks.
“So,” Yn began, after the waiter left, “I have to ask – what do you do?”
“I’m a model, actually,” Summer replied with a casual smile, sipping her drink. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but I love it. What about you? Your profile said you’re an athlete?”
Yn smiled, a hint of pride in her voice. “Yeah, I’m a footballer. I play for Arsenal.”
Summer’s eyes widened slightly, clearly impressed. “That’s amazing! I don’t know much about football, but I know that’s a pretty big deal.”
They both laughed, easing into a comfortable rhythm as they shared bits and pieces of their lives. Summer told Yn about her travels for modeling gigs, the ups and downs of the industry, and how she loved the excitement of never knowing where she’d be next. Yn, in turn, shared some stories from her football career, avoiding the heavier topics but giving Summer a glimpse into her passion for the game.
An hour slipped by quickly, and they ordered another round of drinks. Yn found herself genuinely enjoying Summer’s company, the laughter, and the shared stories feeling like a breath of fresh air.
“So,” Summer said, leaning forward a bit with a twinkle in her eye, “are you okay with keeping this… a little private? At least for now?”
Yn nodded, a smile playing at her lips. “Honestly, that sounds perfect. My life is a bit… in the spotlight right now, and having something just for us feels right.”
Summer grinned, seeming relieved. “Great. Just us, then.”
The conversation continued, with the two of them sharing more laughs and stories as the evening unfolded. Yn felt a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time, a quiet thrill at the potential for something new with Summer.
When they finally called it a night, they exchanged numbers and hugged, a spark of excitement lingering in the air between them. Yn headed back to her apartment, her heart light and her mind buzzing with the possibilities. She knew she had found something worth exploring, and for the first time in a long time, she was genuinely excited to see where it might lead.
