I CAN FIX HIM ! by KissLeclerc
January 23, 2023    #    "Clear Your Head."

          THE TENSION FROM THEIR ARGUMENT STILL WEIGHED ON PAUL as he exited the locker room for his football match. His emotions were all over the place, but there was one clear feeling that he couldn't shake: the guilt over his outburst with Adeline, but he was also aware that he did make valid arguments as a concerned boyfriend.

As Paul stepped onto the field, the cool air and school crowd barely registered in his mind. The argument with Adeline was a storm cloud that followed him, darkening every thought and every move.

He tried to shake off the residual anger and frustration, focusing on the game ahead, but the emotional turbulence was hard to ignore.

The whistle blew, and the game kicked off. From the first touch of the ball, Paul played with a fierce intensity. Every pass, every kick, every dribble was driven by the storm of emotions swirling inside him.

His movements were sharp and aggressive, channeling his frustration into every play as if he could outrun his own thoughts through sheer force of will.

Ollie scored the first goal, and the crowd erupted, but Paul barely comprehended the noise. His focus was singular—he had to keep moving, had to keep pushing.

He fought for the ball with a ferocity that surprised even himself, outpacing his opponents, dodging opponents, and playing with an intensity that bordered on reckless.

He felt like he was channeling his anger through every motion—each kick of the ball was a release, each sprint a desperate attempt to outrun his own thoughts.

The ball seemed to follow him as if he were magnetically linked to it, each touch deliberate and powerful. He was on fire, but it was a dangerous kind of fire—one that threatened to consume him rather than warm him.

Paul's eyes were locked on the goal, his focus razor-sharp, but his mind was still fixated on Adeline. Her hurt expression, the words she had thrown back at him—these memories clashed with his single-minded drive.

But, he scored nonetheless.

He felt a mixture of guilt and anger, trying to use the game as an escape. But the harder he played, the more he realized that this match was just a temporary distraction.

As halftime approached, the blonde sat on the bench, his breathing was heavy but still controlled. His teammates buzzed with energy, discussing the first half of the game. He was too lost in thought to engage, his mind still preoccupied with his argument with Adeline.

Ollie dropped onto the bench next to Paul, tossing a towel over his shoulders. "You're all over the pitch today, mate," he remarked, trying to lighten the mood. "It's like you're playing three positions at once."

Paul gave a half-hearted nod, his mind elsewhere. "Just trying to stay focused."

Kimi, leaning against the fence nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Focused? You're playing like you've got a gun to your head." He shot Paul a knowing look.

"You sure things with Adeline are okay like you said?"

Paul's jaw tightened as he turned to Kimi, his irritation barely contained. "You really wanna ask me that right now?"

Kimi shrugged, smirking. "Just calling it like I see it."

The blonde scoffed, shaking his head. "It's nothing for either of you to worry about. It's fine."

Ollie, sitting on the other side of Paul, wiped his face with a towel and glanced over. "Doesn't sound fine, mate."

"Look, Im not worried about any of that right now. "He lied. "I'm just trying to focus and win a game here."

The Italian exchanged a look with the Brit, then spoke. "Winning's one thing, but you're playing like you're ready to break something—or someone."

Paul groaned. "Mate, just drop it."

Ollie hesitated, then spoke gently. "Paul, mate, we're here for you. We know you. Don't let this mess with your head out there."

"It's already messed with my head and I'll deal with it later." Paul scoffed, standing up.

Kimi raised an eyebrow. "And you're sure that won't blow up in your face?"

Paul grabbed his water bottle, taking a long drink, his eyes narrowing. "What do you want me to say, Kimi?"

Ollie gave a low whistle, trying to diffuse the tension. "Alright, calm down. We get it. But maybe dealing with it now is better than letting it to mess with your game."

Paul scoffed, wiping his face with a towel. "Messing with my game? You've seen me out there—I'm killing it."

Kimi smirked. "Yeah, you're killing it all by yourself. You've been hogging the ball."

Paul shot him a look, frustration boiling. "I'm not hogging the ball."

Ollie shook his head, nearly groaning into his hands. "Not hogging it, my arse. You can't just play alone."

Kimi leaned in, his tone a little softer. "I hope you talk to her after the game. You're a mess."

Paul sighed, feeling the weight of their words, allowing it to sink in and replay in his head before he slowly nodded.

"Alright. After."

Adeline sat in the stands, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as the second half of the game began. Her heart was heavy, weighed down by the argument she and Paul had earlier.

She couldn't stop replaying their fight in her head—the harsh words, his frustration, and her defensive reaction. The guilt gnawed at her now, sharper than it had been during the first half.

When the game had started, she'd been too wrapped up in her own hurt and confusion to properly watch. Every time Paul touched the ball, her stomach clenched with anxiety.

She'd seen how aggressive he was playing, how he kept hogging the ball, and while it was impressive, it was also painfully clear that his heart wasn't just in the right place. He was angry—at her, at the situation—and it showed in every move he made on the field.

The more she thought about it, the more she realized how wrong she'd been. Paul had every right to feel upset. She hadn't communicated with him about Zane and Zak.

Even if her intentions were purely innocent, she could see how her actions had seemed suspicious, or at the very least, inconsiderate and reckless.

He'd only been trying to look out for her, and instead of understanding, she snapped at him.

Adeline for once, was in the wrong.

And she hated it.

The debate captain shifted in her seat, her eyes glued to the field. As the whistle blew to start the second half, she felt a fresh wave of guilt wash over her.

Paul had been playing so well—too well, in fact. His intensity was undeniable, but it was also reckless. She knew him well enough to see that his head was foggy.

He was distracted, just like she was.

Her hands gripped the edge of her seat as she watched Paul sprint across the field, his blonde hair damp with sweat. He had the ball again, weaving through defenders with ease. Adeline's chest tightened.

He was always so confident when he played, but today, that confidence felt different. It was as if he was trying to prove something, not just to his team, but to himself.

"Why'd I have to be so mean..." She thought. Her heart sinking. She realized that he of course deserved to know what was going on, and she should have just told him.

Adeline took a deep breath, watching Paul make another break down the field. The student section roared, but she barely heard it.

All she could focus on was the tension in his movements, the frustration that seemed to pour out of him with every kick, every pass. She just wanted time game to end, to tell him she was sorry, that she understood now how much she'd messed up, but obviously she was gonna have to wait.

Her friends sat beside her, their chatter a distant hum in the background. Joslyn leaned over at one point, nudging her gently. "You sure you're good?"

Adeline forced a smile and nodded, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, just... watching."

But she wasn't just watching. She was analyzing every movement Paul made, hoping for some sign that he wasn't still as angry as he'd been earlier.

He hadn't tried looking for her once during the first half, and she doubted he would now. He was in his own world, trying to lose himself in the game the same way she was trying to make sense of everything in the stands.

As the game wore on, Adeline couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to talk to him, to fix things as soon as possible. She hated how it was at the current moment.

Paul didn't deserve her snapping at him, not when he was only concerned about her well being. Her safety. And she realized now that she hadn't been fair to him at all.

Paul had the ball again, racing down the left side of the field. He cut past one defender, then another, his eyes locked on the goal. The crowd was on their feet, cheering him on, but Adeline's stomach was in her throat.

She could see the strain in his expression, the tightness in his movements, trying to work out his anger, his frustration.

Adeline leaned forward, her heart pounding in her chest as he ran across the field. For a moment, everything else fell away—the noise of the crowd, her friends beside her, even her own guilt.

Suddenly, as Paul closed in on the goal once again, he was surrounded by two defenders. She held her breath, expecting him to try and plow through them like he had been all game.

But then, to her surprise, he didn't.

Instead of forcing his way through or taking a risky shot, he glanced over his shoulder and passed the ball—quick, decisive, and unselfish—to one of his teammates.

Adeline's heart skipped a beat.

Ollie, who had been waiting on the edge of the box, received the ball cleanly and, with one swift kick, sent it flying into the net.

The crowd exploded with cheers, but all Adeline could focus on was Paul. He wasn't rushing the play this time. He wasn't forcing anything. He was working with his team, playing smartly.

Maybe he was letting go.

She exhaled, feeling a tension in her own chest that she hadn't even realized was there begin to ease. For the first time since the game started, she saw a flicker of something calmer in Paul's expression.

He exchanged a quick, congratulatory bro-hug with Ollie before jogging back into position. There was still determination in his eyes, but the sharp edge of anger had dulled.

Adeline leaned back in her seat, a wave of relief washing over her. Maybe he was starting to work through his feelings, just as she had been sitting here, reflecting on how wrong she'd been.

Seeing him pass the ball, seeing him trust his teammates again—it was like a weight lifting off her shoulders.

Genevieve nudged her, leaning in. "He's looking better now, huh?"

Adeline nodded slowly, her eyes still locked on Paul. "Yeah... he is."

It wasn't just that he was playing better now—there was something different about him. He wasn't carrying the same level of tension in his shoulders, and his movements, while still quick and sharp, weren't as frantic as they had been earlier.

He was calming down, and with that, so was she.

As the game continued, Paul made more passes, more calculated plays that showed he was thinking clearly again. Every time he connected with one of his teammates, Adeline felt a little more of her guilt melt away.

He wasn't trying to do everything on his own anymore. He wasn't using the game as a way to escape.

And for that, she was incredibly grateful.

By the time the final whistle blew, Adeline's heart was pounding, but not from nerves anymore. She stood up as the crowd erupted in applause for the team's victory, watching Paul shake hands with his teammates and opponents alike.

He was still serious, still intense, but there was a quietness to him now—a calmness that made her feel like they could have a good talk.

Adeline's eyes followed him as he moved toward the edge of the field, where the players were cooling down. This was her chance. She didn't want to waste another second. With a deep breath, she started making her way down from the stands, determination pushing her forward as the field and surrounding area was finally clearing up.

She was going to make things right.

Adeline walked toward him, her expression a mix of nervousness and something softer—an apology waiting to be spoken.

Before she could say a word, Paul crossed the distance between them in a few quick strides. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a tight hug.

"Sorry. I'm sweaty." He murmured into her hair, his voice a little shaky as she softly laughed at his little apology.

Adeline hugged him back just as tightly, her face pressed against his chest, not caring about his sweat or how he smelled. "I don't mind at all." She whispered, her voice muffled but full of sincerity.

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other, letting the tension of the day melt away. Paul loosened his grip slightly but kept his hands on her waist, pulling back just enough to look down into her eyes.

"Good game." Adeline softly whispered, earning a small smile from him in return. "You were... definitely something." She made a light hearted joke.

And he laughed.

"Thank you." Paul said in a quiet voice. Their tension burning. They both knew they were gonna talk about it.

"I'm sorry," He finally said, his voice rough. "For everything I said, for how I acted. I didn't mean to—"

Adeline shook her head quickly, cutting him off. "Oh my god. No, Paul. I'm sorry. I didn't think about how it looked, and I should have told you. You had every right to be upset. I was wrong."

Paul's brow furrowed, his thumbs gently caressing her hips as he kept his hands rested there. "Well, you didn't deserve me blowing up like that, or calling you names. I should have just... trusted you."

She smiled faintly, the tension between them finally starting to ease. "You were just worried. And honestly? I get why. I didn't realize how it might feel from your side, and I was being a little naïve."

He sighed. "I don't want to fight with you. The whole time on the field, all I could think about was how much I wanted to fix this."

Adeline nodded, her eyes shimmering a little. "Ohh.. You have no idea. I've been feeling terrible since it happened. I just want us to be okay."

"We are okay," Paul whispered, bringing his hands up and brushing his thumb over her cheeks. "I forgive you."

There was a quiet moment between them, not awkward or tense, just filled with understanding. Paul's hands slid back around her waist, pulling her in even closer for another hug.

"I know you're smart," He mumbled as he rested his chin on the top of her head. "But I just can't stand the thought of something happening to you and me not knowing."

"I know," She mumbled back, laying her head on his chest. "I promise I'll be more open. You were right, and I didn't realize how much it hurt you."

Paul slightly pulled back and quirked a brow. "Say that again..."

"I didn't realize how much it hurt you...?"

"No, before that." He laughed. His grip tightening as she thought for a second before a smile painted across her face.

"Idiot." She poked the inside of her cheek with her tongue.

"Say it..." He cockily smirked, bringing a hand to his ear to listen closely.

"You, Paul Aron, were right." Adeline repeated.

"Words I will probably never hear again." He sighed, trying to make a light out of things as she shot her head back and laughed.

Paul's heart felt lighter, his emotions overflowing with relief and something deeper. He drew back slightly, his gaze locking with hers, as they both knew what was coming next as two little giggles escaped the teenage lovers.

The blonde tilted his head slightly, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, gentle kiss. Filled with all the words they couldn't quite say out loud, a silent promise to be there for each other through everything, and a little promise of everything they were sure to work through.

When they finally pulled back, Paul looked at her with a smile. "Now that's settled, would you like to accompany me for some strawberry milkshakes?" He said softly.

"Well, of course!" Adeline smiled, taking his hands into her own before she laughed. "Maybe after you shower though."

"Wha—You said you didn't mind!" The blonde said insecurely as he lifted his arms to sniff his armpit.

The debate captain tightened her hands in his, a smile still painted across her expression as she looked up at him. "Well, maybe I mind a little bit." She grinned. "But just freshen up. I can wait."

Paul chuckled, shaking his head as he glanced around at the emptying field. "Alright, alright. I'll freshen up. You'll be okay here?"

"Uhh—" She turned back, spotting Gen and Joslyn who seemed to be waiting for their boyfriends who were probably in the showers as well. "Yeah, I'll be good."

With a shared look of understanding and warmth, Paul leaned in for one more kiss, laughing softly into it as Adeline's smile widened.

When they finally pulled apart, Paul's gaze lingered on her with a mixture of affection and amusement. "I'll see you in a bit." The blonde spoke again.

"I lov—I'll be back." He stumbled over his words, catching himself.

Adeline's eyes twinkled with amusement at his little slip, catching it immediately as the boy in front of her now seemed flustered. "I'll be here," She said softly, choosing to ignore it to save his breath. A tender smile on her lips.

Paul nodded, his gaze still fixed on her as he reluctantly turned to head toward the locker room. Adeline watched him go, feeling a warm, reassuring glow as he walked away.

Turning back to Gen and Joslyn, who were now approaching her with curious smiles, Adeline took a deep breath.

"Everything okay?" Joslyn asked gently as she nodded.

"What happened now?" Gen noticed a look on her face. "Did you guys make up? Did it get worse? I—"

"Guys. He almost said I love you."

vera's voice.
happy birthday bellita bae. (Two Days Later. Shhh...) i love u sm. idk wtf i just wrote but i hope u enjoyed......

18!!!!! YAYAYAYA ILY BAEF!!!
hello elena. hello belle birthday girl Again.
love vera.