The music still drifted from the porch window, soft and steady, but inside the house Steph’s heart was racing.
She had slammed the door, dropped her cheer bag, and folded her arms tight.
Randy entered quietly, laptop tucked under his arm, cup in hand.
He set them down gently, like he knew the weight of the moment.
“Steph…” his voice was low.
“It wasn’t what it looked like.”
Steph’s eyes flashed.
Her voice cracked, jealousy spilling out.
“Do you even see me anymore?”
Randy stepped closer, steady.
“Steph, they asked about Raider Nation. That’s all. But none of that matters compared to you.”
He knelt, taking her hands even as she tried to pull away.
“You’re my 19. You’re the reason I’m here. You’re the reason Raider Nation even means something.”
She leaned forward, resting her forehead against his.
“I just… I don’t want to lose you.”
Randy kissed her gently.
“You won’t. Not now. Not ever.”
The tension broke.
The slammed door became a closed chapter.
And in its place, love grew stronger — tested, but unshaken.