Teenage Lovers

Ashlynn Miller had always been a little out of place at Lakeside High. She wasn’t the loudest, the prettiest, or the most popular. But she had something no one could take from her: a deep love for art and music, two worlds where she felt free. She spent most of her lunch hours in the art room, sketching scenes from her favorite songs, a way to lose herself in her thoughts. The noise of the hallways and the chaos of high school had a way of washing away, especially when she had her headphones on and a paintbrush in hand.
Then came Kia Mabel.
He was the kind of guy everyone noticed when he walked into a room. Tall, athletic, with a smile that could make the entire school swoon. The senior football star is one of the most popular guys in school. Ashlynn had seen him around, of course. He was hard to miss. But she’d never paid much attention to him. After all, he was out of her league. And besides, why would someone like him even notice someone like her?
That is until the day he did.
It happened in the art room. Ashlynn had just finished a painting, and she was lost in the details, a smile playing on her lips as the final brushstrokes came together. The door creaked open, and she glanced up, startled. Kia Mabel stood in the doorway, looking just as out of place in the room of canvases and easels as she felt in the hallway.
“Hey, I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
Ashlynn blinked in surprise. “Kia Mabel... you’re in here?”
He chuckled, hands in his pockets. “Surprising, right? I’ve been meaning to check out the art room. I heard you’re kind of a genius with paint.”
She blushed, unsure of how to respond. “I wouldn’t say genius. I just... like to paint.”
There was a pause. Kia studied her painting, his eyes soft. “I think you’re pretty good.”
Ashlynn felt an unexpected flutter in her chest. “Thanks,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “You should probably stick to football, though.”
Kia shrugged. “Maybe I’m better at football. But there’s something about this... this is peaceful.” He looked at her, his eyes intense. “Maybe I could learn a thing or two.”
Ashlynn nodded, trying to hide the nervous heat rising to her cheeks. “You want me to teach you?”
He grinned. “Yeah. You can be my art tutor.”
And that was how it all started.
At first, it was simple. He would sit beside her in the art room, trying to follow along as she showed him how to blend colors or mix paints. Ashlynn tried to ignore how her heart raced every time their hands brushed or when Kia would flash her that warm, playful smile. They’d laugh, and she’d find herself wanting to spend more time with him, even though she knew it was a bad idea. Kia Mabel didn’t date girls like her.
But over time, it became more than just art lessons. They spent hours together after school, talking about life, their dreams, and the pressures they faced. Ashlynn learned that despite his popular persona, Kia was far from perfect. He was insecure about his future, and worried about living up to everyone’s expectations. They found comfort in each other’s company, and Ashlynn couldn’t help but start to feel something more for him.
One Friday afternoon, they sat together in the art room, the school day winding down.
“So, tell me,” Kia said, glancing at her curiously. “Why don’t you ever go to the games? You must be one of the only people at this school who doesn’t care about football.”
Ashlynn looked at him, surprised by the question. “I don’t know. It’s just not my thing, I guess.”
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Fair enough. Not everyone’s into the whole ‘jock’ thing. But... I thought maybe you’d come watch one of my games. It’s the big game next week.”
Ashlynn looked down at her sketchbook, her fingers toying with the edge of a page. “I don’t know. I’m just... not sure I belong in that crowd.”
Kia tilted his head, his expression serious. “Ashlynn, you belong with whoever you want. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
She glanced up at him, her heart skipping a beat at the sincerity in his eyes. “Thanks, Kia.”
It was moments like these that made Ashlynn question everything she’d ever thought about him. Was he just being nice? Or was there something deeper? She didn’t know how to ask, or if she even should. After all, he was a senior, and she was just a shy, quiet sophomore. He could have anyone, and she wasn’t sure if she could handle what it might mean if he liked her.
Then, one evening, everything changed.
They were sitting on the steps outside the school, the air cool with the promise of fall. Kia was unusually quiet, his usual playfulness replaced by a somber expression. Ashlynn couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
“Kia? What’s wrong?”
He looked at her, his eyes full of something she couldn’t place. “I need to tell you something, Ashlynn.”
Her heart raced. “What is it?”
He hesitated, and for a moment, it felt like the entire world had stopped. “The truth is... I’ve liked you for a long time. Since the first time I saw you.” He let out a soft laugh, his voice shaky. “I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve never been able to stop thinking about you. You’re different from everyone else. You’re real, Ashlynn. And I... I’ve been afraid to admit it because you deserve someone better than me. I’ve been hiding it, and I didn’t know how to tell you.”
Ashlynn sat frozen, her mind struggling to catch up. This couldn’t be real. “You... you’ve liked me?”
Kia nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. “Yeah. From the moment we first talked. I just didn’t know how to... make it work. I mean, I’m the football guy, the senior... and you’re not like everyone else. But I’ve never been able to shake this feeling. I’ve tried to move on, but I can’t.”
The truth hit her like a wave. Kia, the guy who could have anyone, had been secretly in love with her this entire time. And here she was, not even daring to dream it was possible.
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she finally found her voice. “Kia... I’ve liked you too. I’ve just been too scared to admit it. I didn’t think you’d ever look at me the way I looked at you.”
Kia smiled, relief washing over him. “You have no idea how much I wanted to hear that.”
In that moment, everything clicked. The fears, the doubts, the uncertainty—it all melted away. They were just two people, standing at the edge of something beautiful. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, Ashlynn knew that her world had just changed forever.
And so had his.
As weeks passed, Ashlynn and Kia’s connection grew stronger. The secret they’d shared between just the two of them now began to feel like a sweet secret they could slowly allow the world to witness. Still, high school wasn’t exactly kind to people who strayed from the status quo, and Ashlynn found herself navigating a new and sometimes overwhelming dynamic—being that girl who was with that guy. Kia Mabel was popular, and suddenly, so was she by association.
At first, it felt like a dream. Ashlynn and Kia would spend afternoons at the local café, laughing and chatting about anything and everything. They’d often go for walks by the lake, where Kia would playfully push Ashlynn into the water, laughing as she tried to splash him back. There was a freedom between them now that they hadn’t known before. But the more they grew closer, the more Ashlynn realized that there was still a part of Kia that was hidden from everyone, including her.
It wasn’t until one Friday afternoon in the art room that she met him.
Ashlynn had been sketching when the door opened with a creak. She glanced up, expecting to see Kia, but instead, it was someone else—a guy she had never seen before. He was tall, with messy brown hair, and wore a confident, almost cocky grin. He had the kind of presence that immediately demanded attention, but there was something... charming about it.
"Hey, you’re Ashlynn, right?" He asked, leaning against the doorway.
Ashlynn put down her sketchbook and raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, that’s me. Who are you?"
“I’m Luke,” he said, stepping into the room with an easy smile. “I just transferred here. I heard you’re the best artist in this place.”
Ashlynn smiled politely, trying to hide the faint discomfort that was growing in her chest. He seemed nice enough, but there was something about him that didn’t sit right with her.
“Not the best. I just... like to paint,” she replied.
“Well, from what I’ve seen, you’re pretty damn good.” Luke’s eyes sparkled, and he was staring at her with an intensity that made Ashlynn shift uncomfortably in her seat. He wasn’t bad-looking by any means—he was handsome, in fact—but something about his interest felt offbeat. Almost too eager.
“Thanks,” she murmured, not sure what else to say.
Before the conversation could go any further, the door opened again, and Kia walked in. He immediately spotted Luke and narrowed his eyes.
“What’s going on in here?” Kia asked, his voice casual, though Ashlynn could see the hint of tension in his posture.
Luke smirked. “Oh, nothing. Just talking to Ashlynn here.”
Ashlynn could tell something was shifting in the air between the two guys. It was subtle, but Kia’s usually relaxed demeanor was replaced with an almost defensive energy. She felt a tug at her heart—was this jealousy? Was Kia jealous of this guy?
“Yeah, well, I think we were about to head out,” Kia said, glancing at Ashlynn, a small, almost forced smile on his face. “You good to go, Ash?”
Ashlynn blinked, confused by his abrupt change in tone. She nodded. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
The moment they stepped outside, the tension between them grew even more palpable. Ashlynn was quiet, unsure of how to approach what had just happened. Kia, usually so easygoing, was noticeably more tense than usual.
“Kia,” she started, her voice soft, “are you okay?”
He rubbed the back of his neck and looked at the ground for a moment before meeting her eyes. “Yeah. It’s just... that guy, Luke? He’s trouble.”
Ashlynn raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
Kia let out a sigh. “Luke’s... well, let’s just say he’s known for causing trouble. He’s a player, Ash. I just don’t want him getting any ideas. And I don’t want you to think that I don’t trust you, but—”
“But you think he’s a threat?” Ashlynn finished for him, feeling a strange ache in her chest. She didn’t want to be caught in the middle of some high school drama, but she couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed by Kia’s protective stance. Was he insecure?
Kia hesitated for a moment before he answered. “I don’t know if it’s just me, but he’s... persistent. He’s always trying to get attention from girls. And you’re not like the others, Ashlynn. I don’t want you getting mixed up in his games.”
Ashlynn sighed. “Kia, I’m not going to fall for Luke just because he’s trying to be charming. I’m with you, okay?”
Kia’s face softened, his tense shoulders relaxing. “I know. I just...” He trailed off, looking uncertain.
“I know you’re worried, but trust me,” she said, touching his arm gently. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Kia looked down at her hand and smiled, though the worry still lingered in his eyes. “I just don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t,” she promised, though she wasn’t sure if that was a promise she could guarantee. Life had a way of throwing curveballs, and she wasn’t sure if she was prepared for the challenges ahead.
The next day, Luke found a new way to make himself known. He began sitting at Ashlynn’s table at lunch, talking to her about everything under the sun. And while his attention was flattering, it quickly became uncomfortable. He would always compliment her art, telling her that she was "wasting her time" by being with someone like Kia.
“You could be so much more, Ashlynn,” Luke would say with that same cocky grin. “Why settle for a guy who’s got a million things on his plate when you could be with someone who knows how to appreciate you?”
Kia was always nearby, watching from a distance. He’d never made a scene, but Ashlynn could see the hurt in his eyes every time Luke showed up. The more she tried to brush it off, the more she realized that this situation was becoming harder to navigate.
Then, one afternoon after school, she found herself standing alone by her locker when Luke approached her again. His charm was on full display.
“So, are you going to the game tonight?” Luke asked, leaning against the locker beside hers.
Ashlynn bit her lip, trying to figure out how to handle this. She didn’t want to hurt Kia, but she didn’t want to ignore Luke completely, either.
“I’m going with Kia,” Ashlynn said, lifting her chin. “We’re going together.”
Luke’s grin faltered for just a moment. “Are you sure about that? Because I’ve heard Kia’s been distracted lately. You deserve someone who’s got his full attention. Someone who’s not distracted by the pressure of being the big football star.”
Ashlynn met his gaze, her pulse racing. “I’m with Kia because I want to be. That’s all you need to know.”
Luke’s smile turned into something more playful, though it felt like a challenge. “We’ll see how long that lasts. Good luck, Ashlynn.”
As he walked away, Ashlynn felt a shiver of unease. She didn’t know if Luke was trying to sweep her off her feet or if he was playing a dangerous game with Kia. But whatever it was, Ashlynn was determined to stand by her feelings, and she wasn’t about to let anyone, even Luke, come between her and the person she cared about most.
But as she looked toward the football field that evening, where Kia stood, looking out over the crowd, she realized that there was something bigger at play. More than just rivalry or high school drama. This was about trust. And trust wasn’t something that could be tested by just a game—it was something they would have to fight for together.
The night of the big game was finally here, and Ashlynn could feel the anticipation buzzing through the air. The entire student body had packed into the bleachers, cheering and clapping for the Lakeside High football team. The stadium lights shone down on the field, casting long shadows across the turf as the players warmed up. The atmosphere was electric, the noise deafening, but Ashlynn couldn’t shake the nervous energy that had settled deep in her chest.
She was sitting with a group of friends in the stands, but her eyes were fixed on Kia. He was out there, in the center of it all—focused, determined, with the kind of presence that made the crowd roar whenever he made a play. He looked powerful in his jersey, his helmet glinting in the light. But no matter how many times she told herself to relax, a part of her couldn’t stop worrying.
“You okay?” Her friend Sarah leaned in, noticing Ashlynn’s tense posture. “You seem a little on edge.”
Ashlynn forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just... a little nervous for Kia, that’s all.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. “I get it. But hey, he’s a senior. He knows what he’s doing. He’ll be fine.”
Ashlynn nodded, but her gaze never left the field. Her heart was in her throat as the game kicked off. The first half passed in a blur of action and noise, but Ashlynn couldn’t help but feel the weight of every hit, every tackle, every time Kia took the ball. Her stomach twisted with a mixture of pride and fear.
It was during the second half when things took a turn. Kia had just caught a pass, weaving through the defenders with his usual speed and agility. The crowd erupted in cheers as he sprinted toward the end zone. Ashlynn held her breath, her fingers gripping the metal of the bleachers as she watched him close in on the goal line.
And then, it happened.
Out of nowhere, a defender slammed into Kia from the side, sending him crashing to the ground. There was a sickening sound as his body hit the turf, and the crowd’s cheer abruptly turned into a collective gasp.
Ashlynn’s heart dropped into her stomach. “Kia!” she yelled, jumping to her feet, her voice hoarse with panic.
The field went quiet, and Ashlynn’s eyes were locked on Kia’s still form. His teammates crowded around him, and Ashlynn could see the concerned expressions on their faces. The stadium’s energy shifted from excitement to tension as the medical team rushed onto the field.
Her breath was shallow, her body trembling as she made her way down the bleachers, pushing through the crowd, her heart pounding in her chest. She barely registered the people around her, her mind solely focused on him.
By the time she reached the sideline, the medics were already assessing Kia. He was lying on his back, a pained expression on his face as they checked his knee. Ashlynn’s stomach twisted with worry. The look on his face made her feel like the world had stopped moving. Her knees almost gave out as she rushed to his side.
“Kia,” she whispered, her voice shaky, crouching beside him. She placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Are you okay?”
He looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and something softer, more vulnerable than she had ever seen before. “I’m fine,” he said through gritted teeth, though the pain was evident in his voice. “It’s just... my knee. I think I twisted it.”
Ashlynn’s breath hitched. She didn’t know what to say, but the thought of him hurt, lying there on the field, made her heart ache in a way she hadn’t expected. She wanted to reach out, to pull him into her arms and take away his pain, but the medics were already helping him sit up, securing his knee in a brace.
“Are you sure?” she asked, her voice trembling.
Kia offered her a weak smile, trying to reassure her despite the situation. “I’ll be okay. It’s not as bad as it looks.”
But Ashlynn wasn’t convinced. She stayed by his side, watching anxiously as the medics helped him to his feet, supporting him as he limped off the field. Her heart was still racing, her hands clammy with nerves as she followed them to the sidelines.
The game continued, but for Ashlynn, the rest of the night felt like a blur. She couldn’t focus on anything except for Kia. When the final whistle blew, signaling Lakeside’s victory, she barely registered the cheers around her. All she could think about was getting to him, and making sure he was okay.
Finally, when the crowd started to thin, Ashlynn found him sitting on the bench, his knee propped up with ice. His expression had softened the adrenaline from the game now wearing off, leaving him looking tired and a little worn out.
She walked over to him, her heart in her throat. “How are you feeling?” she asked softly, kneeling in front of him.
Kia met her gaze, his smile tired but genuine. “I’m all right A little sore, but nothing I can’t handle.”
Ashlynn sat beside him, her gaze flickering between his knee and his face. “You scared me,” she admitted, her voice quieter now, more vulnerable. “When I saw you go down... I thought you were seriously hurt.”
Kia’s hand found hers, his fingers lacing through hers with a tenderness that melted her heart. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“No, it’s not that. I just... I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you,” Ashlynn said, her voice cracking. She squeezed his hand, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers.
Kia’s expression softened. “I’m not going anywhere. Not if I can help it.”
For a moment, they sat there in silence, the noise of the stadium and the crowd fading into the background as they focused on each other. Kia’s thumb brushed over her knuckles, a small, intimate gesture that made Ashlynn’s heart flutter despite everything. He had always been so confident, so sure of himself. But now, sitting here beside her, he seemed more human—vulnerable in a way that made her want to protect him even more.
“I hate seeing you like this,” she whispered. “I hate feeling helpless.”
Kia gently cupped her cheek, his fingers warm against her skin. “You don’t have to be. Just being here... with me... that’s all I need.”
She leaned into his touch, her breath catching in her chest. The world seemed to fall away as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, lingering kiss. It was tender and slow, filled with all the unspoken emotions between them—worry, affection, and the undeniable pull they had toward each other.
When they finally pulled away, Ashlynn looked into his eyes, her heart still racing. “I’m here, Kia. Always.”
He smiled, his eyes sparkling despite the pain in his knee. “I know. And I’m not going anywhere either.”
At that moment, Ashlynn knew that this—whatever they had—was more than just a high school romance. It was real, it was deep, and it was something she wasn’t ready to let go of.
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of their cozy, sunlit kitchen. Ashlynn stood at the stove, stirring a pot of oatmeal, the smell of cinnamon filling the air. The sound of little footsteps echoed from the hallway as she smiled to herself. The house was busy this morning like it always was. She could hear the playful bickering of their two children, Alex and Lee, as they raced down the stairs, trying to get to the breakfast table first.
“Mom! Alex stole my socks!” Lee's voice rang out, followed by Alex’s mocking laughter.
“I did not! You just have no fashion sense,” Alex retorted, his tone teasing but light.
Ashlynn couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking her head. Lee was six, the more sensitive and dramatic of the two, while Alex, at eight, was already developing his sense of humor and mischief. They were a perfect mix of her and Kia, and every day with them felt like a blessing.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Kia walk into the kitchen, his hair tousled from sleep, wearing an old, worn-out sweatshirt that he’d probably had since high school. He still looked as handsome as he had the day they met. His presence in the room, even after all these years, made her heart skip a beat. He had always been her anchor, the one who’d never let her go, the one who’d always chosen her.
“Good morning, beautiful,” Kia murmured, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
Ashlynn smiled, leaning back into his embrace. “Good morning. How’s my favorite quarterback?”
Kia chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to the side of her neck. “I’m retired, remember? These days, it’s all about dad duties and coaching the kids’ soccer team.”
“That’s right,” Ashlynn teased, “the kids are lucky to have a coach like you.”
Kia’s hand brushed against hers as he reached for the coffee pot, and Ashlynn couldn't help but think back to the time when it had all started. The high school football games, the nervous glances they exchanged, the unspoken words. She never imagined back then that they’d end up here—married, with two children, and a life full of love and surprises.
“I’m going to win the next round of soccer,” Alex declared proudly, pushing a chair out and sitting down at the table.
“You wish,” Lee shot back, sticking out his tongue. “I’m gonna be the next Messi.”
Kia laughed softly and ruffled both of their heads. “You both have a long way to go, trust me. Soccer is no joke. I’ll be the one laughing when you two start running circles around each other.”
Ashlynn leaned against the counter, watching them with a smile that reached her eyes. The years had flown by, but moments like these, surrounded by the love of her family, made time feel like it was standing still. She thought about how much they had grown, both as individuals and as a family. And how much she and Kia had grown together.
Kia’s arm draped across her shoulder as they both observed their children. His voice lowered, becoming more intimate, just for her. “Remember when we were kids, Ash? All the things we went through back then, the secrets, the challenges. And now look at us... two kids and a life we’ve built together.”
Ashlynn’s heart swelled. “I never imagined it, not in a million years. But I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’m glad we fought for this.”
“Me too,” Kia said, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re everything to me.”
Alex, overhearing the conversation, glanced over with a grin. “You guys are cute, but you know you’re embarrassing us, right?”
Lee nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, stop kissing, mom! We’re trying to eat!”
Ashlynn and Kia chuckled at their kids' antics, but their smiles held a depth of affection that only came with years of shared memories. They had been through a lot together—through the ups and downs, the good and the bad. And now, here they were, their family a testament to everything they had worked for.
“All right, all right,” Ashlynn said, wiping a mock tear from her eye. “We’ll stop embarrassing you two.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Alex muttered, but there was a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Kia took his place at the table, lifting Lee onto his lap, as Ashlynn finished serving the oatmeal. “So,” Kia began, his playful tone returning, “who wants to head to the soccer field after breakfast for a little practice session? I’m thinking I’ll show you two how it’s done.”
Alex and Lee immediately perked up, ready for a challenge.
“Let’s do it!” Alex exclaimed, already jumping out of his chair.
“I’m ready!” Lee said, his small fists raised in mock victory.
Ashlynn watched them, her heart full. She knew their life wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs, and that made all the difference. She looked over at Kia, catching his eye for a moment, and there was a quiet understanding between them. This was their family—imperfectly perfect, full of love, laughter, and a few chaotic mornings. And she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As they all sat down to eat, the noise and chatter filling the room, Ashlynn leaned back and allowed herself to soak it all in—the little moments, the family they had created together, and the love that had only grown stronger over the years.
She couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
And Kia, with his easy smile and protective love, was still, after all this time, the one she had always dreamed of.