Dear Reader: From Martiné

278 14 6

by Martiepants_

by Martiepants_

If you’ve made it this far, through the highs, heartbreaks, and all the delicious tension, I think it’s safe to say you’re enjoying the story. Thank you. It means more than I can say. If you’re up for it, I’d love to hear from you. Comments, votes, reshares -- every one of them keeps this little story glowing warm on the stove. Since this is still a new project, your feedback is incredibly helpful (and honestly, so cherished).

If you’d rather skip this Author’s Note and dive back into the tenderness and yearning, don’t worry, the next chapter picks up right where we left off. :)

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Author’s Note:

Hi, I’m Martiné -- welcome to my little reading nook, come right in.

I write because I believe stories should feel like home: warm in some places, sharp in others, but always real. I’m drawn to characters who make messy choices, who grow in slow, human ways. Who laugh, lash out, stumble, and love deeply. Running to You is a love letter to that kind of character work.

This isn’t a linear tale where the protagonist meets their love interest and rides off into the sunset. It meanders. It stretches. It asks you to follow the characters through detours, grief, loyalty, competition, and self-discovery. And if that’s your thing -- if you enjoy stories where the heart takes the scenic route -- I’m so glad you’re here.

At its core, Running to You is about identity, rivalry, found family, and the fragile, transformative power of connection. JL, Steven, and Han aren’t tropes -- they’re full people with agency, self-awareness, and conflicting desires. Their bond grows from strangers, to rivals, to something far more tangled and profound. And yes -- the romance is slow-burn. Yes -- it’s painful in places. Yes -- I absolutely want you to scream into your pillow at 2 a.m.

But it’s also funny. There’s banter, dumb jokes, locker room chaos, and quiet gestures that say everything.

This is a character-driven, slice-of-life sports drama with real heart. If you’re a STEJAY or HANEULZ fan (like me), buckle up. This is for you.

And because I began my journey with AHOF during Universe League, the competition aspect runs deep in this story too. These boys fight with grace, with teeth, and with everything on the line. JL and Han, the all-rounder aces. JL and Steven, two halves of a brutal, beautiful whole. Rivalry, team dynamics, and the sheer utter pleasure of victory -- my Roman Empire, honestly.

The story is ongoing, regularly updated, and fueled by character inspiration as more information becomes available (AHOF, please debut soon LOL). I’m aiming for at least 60 chapters, probably more, and I hope you’ll stay on this ride with me -- slow and sweet, but full of bite.

With love and gratitude,
Martiné