Yn had been putting in long hours at the training ground, determined to keep her spot in the team and prove herself after the last few games. Her mind buzzed with pressure to perform, and her body ached from pushing so hard. She hadn’t even realized how late it was when she finally returned to her apartment, only to find Summer waiting, holding two takeout boxes and wearing a small, concerned smile.
“You’re back!” Summer greeted, holding up the boxes with a little wiggle. “Thought you might be hungry. Brought your favorite.”
Yn managed a tired smile, taking the food as she sank onto the couch. “You’re the best, you know that?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Summer said, grinning as she sat down beside her. “How was training?”
Yn sighed, rubbing her temples. “Brutal. We’ve got a big game coming up, and I can’t afford to mess up. I’ve been pushing so hard, I can’t even remember the last time I actually enjoyed playing.”
Summer reached over, resting a hand on Yn’s knee. “Maybe you need a night off from all that. Recharge a bit?”
Yn shook her head, taking a long breath. “I can’t, Summer. This is what I’ve been working for. I can’t let up, not now.”
“I get it,” Summer replied gently, “but you’re not a robot. If you keep going like this, you’re going to burn out before the game even gets here.”
Yn sighed, putting her food down. “I know, but… it’s hard to explain. I’ve got this fear that if I’m not pushing myself every minute, I’ll lose my place. And this is all I’ve ever wanted.”
Summer’s expression softened, and she scooted closer, wrapping her arm around Yn. “Look, I know how important this is to you. But I also know you won’t lose your place over one night of relaxing. You’re one of the best on the team, Yn.”
Yn looked down, her voice quiet. “It just feels like everyone’s watching, waiting for me to fail.”
“You’re the only one who thinks that,” Summer replied, tucking a strand of Yn’s hair behind her ear. “Your teammates, your coaches—they know how good you are. And if they don’t appreciate you, that’s on them. Not you.”
Yn let out a small laugh. “You’re always so calm about everything.”
Summer grinned. “That’s why we work so well together. You keep me on my toes, and I keep you from spiraling.”
They both laughed, and Yn’s shoulders finally relaxed as she leaned against Summer.
“So… how about this,” Summer suggested. “Let’s put on a stupidly funny movie, eat this food, and you just let go for one night. Tomorrow, you can go back to being the super-focused, intense Yn. But tonight, I want you to just be… you.”
Yn hesitated, looking at Summer. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” Summer nudged her. “I think you owe me a night off from all the ‘intense footballer’ stuff.”
Yn finally gave in, smiling. “Alright, alright. But only if I get to pick the movie.”
Summer rolled her eyes, pretending to groan. “Fine, but if you choose anything remotely serious, I’m walking out.”
Yn laughed, grabbing the remote. “Deal.”
They ended up watching a ridiculous comedy, and for the first time in weeks, Yn felt herself letting go. She laughed more than she had in ages, leaning against Summer as they joked and shared stories. As the credits rolled, Yn realized how much she’d needed this.
Later, as they both lay on the couch in a comfortable silence, Summer spoke softly. “Promise me you won’t let this game take away your love for what you do.”
Yn looked up, meeting Summer’s steady gaze. “I promise,” she whispered. “Thanks for reminding me.”
“Anytime,” Summer replied, brushing a light kiss on Yn’s forehead. “That’s what I’m here for.”
The next morning, Yn woke up feeling lighter, more refreshed. She knew the pressure would return, but for now, she held onto that moment of calm, grateful for the reminder that she didn’t have to face everything alone.
