I did go to Alfred's morning football practice like I said I would. They're looking pretty good out there on the field, so I'm thinking we have a pretty good chance of beating the Bulldogs this Friday. Coach Germania looked pretty pleased as well from what I could tell, and that's saying something because that man scowls as much as Mr. Rome smiles, which is a lot. Alfred had informed me that some of the guys wanted to go do something after practice, and I was invited to come.

And that is how I ended up at a burger joint with a large group of ravenous football players. I've never seen so much food eaten at one in my life. Alfred has a large pile of burgers he's working on next to Matthew, who has another pile next to him. I'm afraid to go near them when they're inhaling food like that, so I opt for sitting by Gilbert. He had invited Francis and that other guy to come along too.

"Hey, can I sit with you guys?" I ask as I carry my tray of normal sized proportions over to their table. "I'm afraid if I sit over there I'll get eaten."

"Why of course (y/n)!" Francis says. He pats the open seat in the booth next to him, and I sit down.

"Hey, (y/n). This is Antonio," Gilbert tells me. He points to the guy I've seen him with before. "Me, Francis, and him have been friends for a really long time."

"Call me Toni," Antonio says with a smile.

I look at the three of them as I take a sip of my soda. How did these three ever become friends? They're so different. I decide to ask. "How did you all meet? I mean, I know for a fact that Francis and Gilbert are involved in two different things."

"Allow me to explain," Toni says. "The three of us first met through wrestling freshman year."

I wait for him to continue, but he doesn't. "That's it?" The trio nod. "The way you said it I thought there'd be more to the story than that."

"Nope. That's all there is!" Francis explains with a dramatic hand gesture. I inwardly flinch at his flamboyance. Maybe sitting next to Francis wasn't the best idea.

"Wrestling, huh," I murmur to myself. Of course they would all do a sport that involves tight clothing and groping. Well, at least Gilbert and Francis are like that. I don't know Toni well enough to make a judgement like that.

My thoughts are interrupted by Francis scooting closer to me. He wraps an arm around my waist and leans in close. "Want to get out out of here darling and find a nice place to be alone?" Oh boy, here we go.

"Francis, just because I'm the only girl here doesn't mean you have to flirt with me," I say calmly while nibbling on a fry.

"Come on darling," he insists. "It'll be fun."

"About as fun as pulling teeth."

Before Francis can say anything else, Alfred's head pops over the bench of our booth. Turns out we're sitting in a booth next to his. "Hey dude. Wanna get your hands off my girl and leave her alone." The tone he says it in leaves no room to argue, and Francis slides back to his side of the bench. Alfred motions for me to join him, so I pick up my food and leave after a quick goodbye to the trio.

"Thanks," I tell him when I sit down next to him.

"No sweat!" he exclaims in his usual voice. "Can't have other guys hanging on my girl." I blush a little at his protectiveness.

"I'm used to Francis doing that since he flirts with any and every girl in the band, but it was nice not having to punch him this time."

Alfred laughs and continues eating where he left off. His pile of burgers is a lot smaller now. I finally have a chance to eat without getting harassed, so I unwrap my burger and begin eating. We eat in silence for a while, but then we hear this odd muffled sound.

"Do you hear that?" I ask Alfred.

"Hear what?"

"Shhhhh! Just listen for it." We stop to listen, and sure enough, I hear it again. "What is that?"

Alfred turns to look on his other side where the sound is coming from. "Oh Matthew! I totally forgot you were here man!"

"I'll move to the other side!" I say quickly and do so. Matthew had been squished up against the wall when Alfred had scooted over to make room for me. "Sorry Matthew."

"I-it's alright," he says in his quiet voice. "I'm just glad you remembered."

I give him an apologetic smile before continuing to eat. Meanwhile, Gilbert and his gang leave with some other guys, so the three of us are alone in the restaurant. I finish my food before Alfred and Matthew do, and watch in fascination as they pack away burger after burger. I used to think it was kind of weird that they can eat so much, but it's actually pretty cool.

"Ready to go?" Alfred asks when the two of them finally finish. I nod. "HAHAHA! Alright, off we go!"

We walk out to his truck, and he unlocks the doors. I climb into the passenger seat out of habit. On second thought, I should've asked Matthew if he wanted to sit up here, but it's too late for that. Alfred backs the truck out of its spot once we're all buckled in. He reaches over and holds my hand again. Looks like this is going to be our regular thing now.

After a while my house comes into view, and Alfred pulls into my driveway. "I'm glad you could make it (y/n)," he says, and he flashes his signature smile.

"Y-you're welcome," I say as my heart skips a beat. That smile always gets to me. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

"You bet!" He uses his free hand to pull my face in for a quick kiss. My blush has just doubled in color. "I'll text ya later."

I exit his truck and wave to him as he drives away. I'm about to walk in the house when a thought hits me. My face burns when I realize Matthew was in the backseat the whole time, and probably saw everything. At least I can count on him not to tell anyone.