Tackled by You

Chapter 33 – Decisions

The semester was coming to a close, and with it came pressure from every direction. University applications. Tryouts. Deadlines. Family expectations. A future that used to feel far away was now knocking, loud and relentless.

Sheik sat on the edge of the bleachers after practice, jersey soaked, cleats untied, and head low. Coach had praised his plays, scouts were noticing him more, and yet—his heart wasn't settled.

Because he'd gotten an email.

A major university overseas had offered him a scholarship. Full ride. A dream come true for any aspiring footballer.

Except… it wasn't Andrea's dream. And it wasn't home.

Andrea was quiet when he told her later that night in his room, Mochi curled up between them like a furry buffer.

"So... it's real?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said. "England. Three years. Starting next fall."

Andrea nodded slowly, lips pressed tight. "That's… huge, Sheik."

He watched her closely. "Say what you're thinking."

"I'm thinking I'm proud of you. But I'm also scared."

"Of?"

"Of us. What happens to us if you go?"

They sat with that question. Neither rushed to answer.

"I love you," he said quietly. "That hasn't changed."

"But love doesn't erase distance," she replied. "Or time zones. Or the fact that we're barely figuring things out now."

He wanted to say it would be fine. That they'd make it work. But part of him knew she was right to be cautious.

"I haven't said yes yet," he admitted.

Andrea looked at him, surprised. "Why?"

"Because you're here," he said. "And I don't want to lose what we have just for a stadium across the world."

"You'd give it up for me?"

"I'd think about what really matters."

Andrea leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. They sat like that for a long time, no answers, just quiet understanding. The kind that comes with loving someone and knowing that sometimes, love alone isn't simple.

When Mochi stirred and snorted in his sleep, they both laughed—small, tired, real.

"Maybe we don't need to figure it out tonight," Andrea whispered.

"No," Sheik said, "but we will. Together."

Outside, the world kept moving. But in that room, with their dog between them and uncertainty hanging heavy, they chose each other again—if only for today.

And sometimes, that was enough.