Eli is still finding his place on the college rugby team, quiet mornings, brutal practices, and snow-covered colorado nights. but behind closed doors, something real is blooming. his connection with marcus, the team's rugged and reserved forward, is no longer just playful flirtation. it's physical. it's emotional. and it's getting harder to hide. as the pressure builds, on the field and in eli's chest, he's forced to confront the truth: he wants more than just stolen moments in empty dorm lounges. he wants to be seen. he wants to be loved out loud. but what happens when the bruise of a tackle turns into something deeper? when a quiet look across the field says more than words ever could? tense, tender, and full of slow-burning heat, this second installment in eli's journey is a story of first love, found courage, and the bond between two boys learning how to want and be wanted. perfect for fans of mm college romance, sports stories with heart, and love that dares to grow in the silence.