Stole My Heart 💕

18 - Blake's feeling

Soccer had always been Blake's sanctuary, the one thing in his life that remained constant. The field was his escape, where every worry faded into the background. But lately, something—or rather, someone—had begun to rival that love.

Candice.

She had unknowingly become the center of his world. Being with her felt like basking in the golden warmth of the sun after endless days of rain. Her laughter was a melody that played in his head long after she was gone, and the effortless kindness she carried made the world around her a little brighter. He didn't know when it had started, but at some point, he had fallen—deeply, irrevocably.

And yet, he had never told her.

Blake had convinced himself that being her friend was enough. He told himself that as long as she was happy, he didn't need anything more. But then, he saw her with Nick.

It was a seemingly simple moment—Nick had said something, and Candice had thrown her head back in laughter, her eyes gleaming in a way Blake had never noticed before. The sight hit him like a punch to the gut. It wasn't just the laughter. It was the way she looked at Nick, the way she leaned just a little closer, the way something in her expression was softer than usual.

Jealousy burned through him, sharp and unforgiving. Was he just a friend in her eyes? While she looked at Nick like that? The thought alone was enough to send his mind spiraling.

He tried to shake it off, to convince himself that he was overthinking. But even during their usual movie night, when she was being her liveliest—throwing popcorn at him, mimicking the actors in ridiculous voices, collapsing into breathless laughter—he couldn't escape the nagging thought.

Nick had gotten to her in a way Blake never had.

The realization was suffocating.

But he couldn't hold back anymore. He had to tell her.

The day before his inter-college match, Candice was waiting for him in the gallery, her expression bright with excitement. She was humming a soft tune, her voice light and soothing, and for a moment, he just stood there, watching her, memorizing every little thing about her. The way her eyes sparkled, the way she rocked on the balls of her feet—it was all so effortlessly Candice.

Then, she held out a box to him with a grin. "A little good luck charm."

Blake opened it to find a brand-new pair of soccer shoes. His heart clenched. "Candy..." His voice wavered, thick with emotion.

She shrugged. "I figured you could use them. You're always talking about how worn-out your old ones are."

He swallowed hard. She had been paying attention. She always did. "You didn't have to—"

"I wanted to."

Something inside him cracked. He needed to tell her now. He needed her to know.

"There's something I need to say," he began, his voice quieter this time.

Candice tilted her head, curiosity flickering across her face. "Yeah, Blake? What is it?"

He took a deep breath, but at the last second, his nerves got the best of him. Instead, he forced a grin. "What would you do for me if I won this match?"

She laughed, shaking her head. "Anything for you, my friend."

Friend.

The word sliced through him like a dull blade, but he kept his smile intact.

"Promise me," he pressed, stepping closer. "Promise me you won't say no."

Her brows furrowed slightly. "Blake, what are you—"

"Just promise me." His voice was lower now, more intense.

Candice hesitated, but then she nodded. "Alright. I promise."

He exhaled, relief and anticipation warring inside him. "Watch out, Candy," he said with a smirk, "I'm going to win this match. You'll see."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "I don't doubt it."

But he wasn't done yet. As she turned to leave, he reached out, his fingers grazing her wrist. She looked back at him, startled by the seriousness in his gaze.

"Promise me again, Candice," he murmured.

She frowned. "What is it now?"

His jaw tightened, hesitation flickering in his eyes before he finally spoke. "Just promise you'll be careful, okay?"

Her brows knit together. "Blake, what—"

"Please," he whispered, his grip tightening ever so slightly.

Something in his voice made her stomach twist. She nodded slowly. "I promise."

The weight of his words lingered between them long after she walked away.

Blake clenched his fists, determination hardening his features. He had to win. Because only then, when victory was his, could he finally tell her the truth.

He was in love with her.