Episode 6: The Unsettling Intensity

Roman was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. The morning light filters through the blinds, casting shadows across his room. He was deep in thought, replaying the moment when his eyes met Lily's the day before.

Roman gets up and goes through his morning routine, but there's a noticeable distraction in his movements. He splashes water on his face, looking at his reflection in the mirror, trying to shake off the strange intensity he felt.

Roman (V.O.): "Get it together, Roman. She's just another girl. Focus on what matters."

He grabs his football gear and heads out, determined to drown out the unsettling feelings with practice.

On the field, Roman's performance is as strong as ever, but his focus is fractured. He pushes himself harder, using the physical exertion to clear his mind. His teammates notice his unusual intensity.

Alex: "What's up with Roman today? He's playing like he's got something to prove."

Teammate 1: "Yeah, he's even more intense than usual."

The coach, sensing something is off, calls for a break.

Coach: "Alright, take five! Roman, a word?"

Roman jogs over, wiping sweat from his brow.

Coach: "Are you okay, son? You seem... distracted."

Roman: "I'm fine, Coach. Just trying to stay sharp."

Coach: "Alright, but remember, focus is key. Don't let anything mess with your head."

Roman nods and heads back to practice, but the intensity in his eyes remains.

Later, Roman decides to hit the library to catch up on some studies. As he walks through the aisles, he sees Lily again, sitting at a table with her nose buried in another book. She's completely absorbed, her light brown hair falling softly around her face.

Roman (V.O.): "Why does she captivate me so much? She's just reading a book."

Unable to resist, he sits at a nearby table, pretending to read but stealing glances at her. This time, she feels his gaze and looks up. Their eyes meet, and once again, Roman feels that strange intensity, like time has stopped.

Lily offers a small, polite smile before returning to her book. Roman's heart races, and he's left staring at the pages in front of him, unable to focus.

Back in his dorm room, Roman paces, his thoughts racing. He picks up his sketchpad and starts to draw, hoping to channel his emotions into his art. His hand moved almost automatically, sketching Lily's face, her eyes, the serene expression she had while reading.

Roman (V.O.): "This is ridiculous. Why can't I get her out of my mind?"

He finishes the sketch and looks at it, a mixture of frustration and admiration in his eyes. He tears out the page, crumpling it up and tossing it aside, but the image of Lily remains etched in his mind.

Roman decides to confide in his closest friend on the team, Ethan. They meet up at a quiet spot on campus, away from prying eyes.

Ethan: "What's eating you, man? You've been off all day."

Roman hesitates, then sighs.

Roman: "There's this girl... I can't stop thinking about her. It's like she's in my head, and I don't know why."

Ethan raises an eyebrow, surprised.

Ethan: "Wow, Roman Stone actually bothered by a girl? That's a first."

Roman: "It's not like that. She's different. When our eyes met, it was... intense."

Ethan leans back, thoughtful.

Ethan: "Maybe she's not just another girl. Maybe you should get to know her."

Roman looks away, conflicted.

Roman: "I don't know. I'm not good with... feelings."

Ethan: "No kidding. But maybe it's worth a shot. What's the worst that could happen?"

Roman nods, still unsure but considering Ethan's words.

As night falls, Roman sits at his desk, looking out the window. The campus is quiet, the stars twinkling above. He picks up the crumpled sketch of Lily and smooths it out, staring at her face once more.

Roman (V.O.): "Maybe Ethan's right. Maybe she's not just another girl."

He tucks the sketch into his drawer and lies down, the strange intensity still lingering but now mixed with a hint of curiosity and hope.

Roman closed his eyes, Lily's face still vivid in his mind. The title card appears: "Until I Found You"....