CHAPTER ONE !
⤷ ❝ WHO? ❞
♔♛
ʳᵉᵃˡ ˡⁱᶠᵉ
CHRIS CONSIDERS HIMSELF A SIMPLE GUY. he loves three things. football, his family, and a little bit of attention. who doesn't? knowing that people care about you can really boost your ego.
with that being said, chris feels as though the attention on him is deserved. he's been humble the majority of his life, focusing on football and nothing else. over the years, he got pretty good at it (if he had to say so himself). his freshman year in college was a great year. he won rookie of the year and put up crazy numbers. his sophomore year was even better. he won receiver of the year now, in april of this year, he's projected to be a first-round pick as a wide receiver in the nfl. that's after only spending the minimum of three years in college and then declaring himself for the draft.
and he's pretty good-looking too.
for all these reasons, chris always has some kind of interview to do. even in july, during preseason, the interviews don't stop. chris plans on having the best possible junior season. maybe even win the heisman. he really needs to get his draft stock up. nfl is and always has been the dream. people just aren't tired of hearing that same old story.
right now though, he has a day-in-the-life to film for the pac-12 and ucla football youtube. it's the last pac-12 media day ever and they wanted chris to take center stage for it. of course, he likes this kind of interview format. he gets to show everyone the life he worked so hard to get.
that's how he finds himself talking to a broadcaster from espn in las vegas. it's what feels like his hundredth interview of the day. however, he gets the honor of having molly anne mcgrath for his final interview of the day. he always talks to her after games and she's always a lot of fun.
the lights and cameras are his constant companions, and today is no exception. molly, always radiating energy and a genuine enthusiasm for the game, greets chris with a warm smile. "chris, it's always a pleasure to chat with you. how's the day treating you so far?"
chris nods and sits up straight in his chair. "you know i'm tired, molly. it's been a busy one, but i'm used to it." he reaches up to the neck of his ucla black polo tee and pretends to adjust it. "ready to have a great last interview with you of course."
"absolutely!" molly chuckles with a nod before looking down at her notecards. "alright, let's dive in. it's crazy to think that you were a freshman two years ago. rookie of the year, impressive stats. sophomore year, even better. now you're gearing up for your junior season. what's the game plan?"
chris, a casual grin on his face taps on his knees that are covered by his black dress pants. "honestly just to do everything i did last year but better. last year was good, but this year is gonna be great."
"i love to hear that and i bet bruin fans everywhere love to hear that too." molly taps her note cards on the arm of her chain. "how far do you think you guys can go this year."
"as far as we want." chris shrugs as he resists the urge to touch his hair. makeup artists sprayed some unknown substance in it earlier and it makes his hands all sticky. "last year was just a stepping stone for everything we're about to accomplish this year. conference champs... natty champs... don't want to say too much but we're here to play this season."
molly, leaning forward with enthusiasm, continues her line of questioning. "this is why the world loves you chris. so confident and so cool all the time." chris grins bashfully as he looks away briefly. he doesn't want to be caught cheesing at a compliment from someone who gets paid to do so. "now, beyond the game, fans are curious about your life off the field. what's a typical day in the life of chris sturniolo?"
chris, chuckling, clicks his tongue as he thinks of a response. he really doesn't do much other than football. "well, i'm kind of boring actually." molly snorts and chris continues. "wake up early, hit the gym, practice, study film, do homework, and then all my free time is spent with teammates and i'm lucky enough to have my triplet brothers also going to ucla." chris pauses and them remembers a really crucial part of his life. "i also love food, so i'm always trying to find somewhere off campus to eat."
"hey i don't blame you. all the best food places are near your campus!" molly and chris share a laugh as molly takes a look down at her notecards. "but speaking of family, they've been a big part of your journey. how do they support you through all of this?"
chris' eyes light up as he talks about his family. he loves them more than anything in the world. without them, he's nothing. "they're my rock. always have been. from my little league games to college, they're there cheering me on. a lot of what i do is for them."
molly nods, understanding the importance of a solid support system. "you're no stranger to attention, and with the draft on the horizon, it's only going to increase. especially since you've been becoming more than just a football player with all your off-the-field attention as well. besides your family keeping you grounded, how do you handle the pressure?"
chris smirks, showing a hint of confidence. he loves questions like these. it gives him the chance to be a little cocky. "pressure is just part of the game. i thrive on it. keeps me on my toes. at the end of the day, it's about playing the game i love. i love the game with or without the attention."
throught the interview, chris paints the picture of his football journey and aspirations. he speaks passionately about his love for the game, the support of his family, and the determination to make his mark in the nfl.
he and molly laugh as he shares childhood stories, lockerroom rituals, his favorite meals, and the moments he cherished with his family. the interview flows seamlessly, with molly skillfully navigating between the personal and professional aspects of chris' life.
as the interview reaches its crescendo, molly shifts gears, a mischievous glint in her eye. "so before we wrap this up, i have to ask." molly reaches behind the camera for a phone. "what's this talk about a certain celebrity crush of yours. alessia flores?"
chris, caught off guard but grinning nonetheless, plays along. molly turns her phone around to show chris the post he made a couple of months prior.
chris instantly grows red and hides his face in his hands as he laughs. "oh you came with receipts too?" chris lifts his face from his hands and takes another look at the post. "i've always been a fan and it was a great show. most people know that so i just thought it would be funny to make the post. maybe i was shooting my shot too."
molly raises an eyebrow, chuckling at chris' nervousness. "fan, huh?" molly nods and hands her phone back to the producer behind the camera. "any chance you're still waiting for her dm?"
chris' face breaks out into a grin and replies, "she can still hit me up anytime."
"is this you shooting your shot part two?" molly teases. "right here on the espn network?"
chris shrugs with a bashful smile on his face. "i guess so." chris looks at a camera and points. "alessia flores, if you're watching this, my dms are still open."
molly, grinning, wraps up the playful banter, "well, there you have it, folks. chris is keeping the door open for alessia flores. who knows, maybe we'll witness the beginning of something special right here on espn." molly claps and then turns back to chris. "thanks for joining us today, chris. best of luck with your upcoming season!"
as the cameras start to shut down, Chris winks at the lens and gives a parting wave. "love you bruins!" with that, the interview concludes. the crew starts packing up, and molly gives him a friendly pat on the shoulder.
he doesn't think much of the interview considering the fact that he shot his shot before and missed. he plays football after all, not basketball.
♔♛
ALESSIA EMBRACES THE PULSE OF NEW YORK CITY. she thrives on the vibrant energy that courses through its streets—the constant hum of creativity, the city lights painting the skyline. at just 19, she has become a heartbeat of the music scene. a three-time grammy award winner after just her first album and america's sweetheart, she effortlessly captures the essence of pop stardom.
in her spacious apartment nestled in the heart of new york, the city that never sleeps, alessia revels in the rare moments of solitude. her sanctuary is actually quite empty since she just recently bought her apartment. all she has is a tv, a couch, a rug, and a few random paintings that athena bought for her. tonight, the city's skyline twinkles beyond the window, casting a glow on her face as she unwinds after a long day at the studio.
alessia's world revolves around melodies and lyrics. her voice, a force that resonates with millions, has made her a sensation. she spent her day crafting tunes, pouring her soul into the notes that echo through the concrete jungle.
surprisingly, it was one of her calmer days. just working with dan, writing songs, singing songs, scrapping songs. all part of the process.
the muted city sounds seep into alessia's apartment, creating a backdrop for her thoughts. the city's rhythm, both chaotic and harmonious, is a comforting lullaby. tonight seems like a timothée chalamet movie night.
alessia's fingers glide across the fabric of carpet she is currently resting on. the melodies from earlier in the day surround her and she thinks about what she could add or do better.
as she contemplates the day's work, a knock interrupts her thoughts. athena, her best friend, bursts into the apartment with unbridled energy. the door swings open, revealing a whirlwind of charisma adorned with a mischievous grin.
athena's entrance is as bold as her personality. "alessia, darling," athena sings as she closes the front door behind her and throws all her bags on the floor. "you won't believe the day i've had!" she exclaims, a burst of energy that seems to amplify the room.
alessia lifts her head up from the rug, a smile playing on her lips. "do i even want to know?"
athena dramatically flops onto the couch behind alessia's head. "you absolutely do. picture this:" alessia turns her body around so that she is facing her completely energetic friend. she props herself up on her head and smiles as athena begins to tell one of her famous stories. "i have my airpod maxes on, all mysterious and shit and i go into this coffee shop. charming the uncharmable, i go in and order a triple expresso because i have a three page paper to write."
athena claps her hands together. "i paid with my fucking face card!" athena laughs to herself. "saved $6 because i'm an absolute goddess life is so good."
alessia chuckles, the absurdity of athena's antics a familiar source of amusement. that is so something that would happen to athena, and athena only. "you never fail to entertain me."
athena grins, mischief dancing in her eyes. "you know me." athena slides off the couch and sits with her back against it, tapping her lap so that alessia can come rest her head there. "but enough about me. how was your day, superstar?"
alessia adjusts slightly, her head in athena's lap as athena strokes her head. "quiet, productive, music. same old." alessia shuts her eyes and allows herself to take comfort in her friend's presence.
athena raises an eyebrow. "too quiet, perhaps?" athena's eyes shoot back open. "bet you haven't even checked your socials. what if i told you someone's been talking about you?"
alessia's interest is piqued. "talking about me?" she scoffs and rolls her eyes. "don't tell me it's one of my ex's again."
"no..." athena trails off shaking her head. "you really haven't seen anything?" alessia shakes her head and athena snorts. "lessy i thought we were going to be better? this is literally going viral right now."
alessia sits up from her friend's lap. "i was busy! just tell me!"
athena laughs and reaches behind her to grab her phone from the couch. "chris sturniolo has been—"
"who?" alessia interrupts.
"chris sturniolo." athena repeats tilting her head at her friend. "the football guy who has been a heartthrob since like last year."
"never heard of him," alessia says with a shrug.
athena dramatically grabs her phone, tapping away with a smirk. "you make it so hard to defend you everyday." athena shakes her head as she pulls up a photo of chris on her phone. "he's your type, too. at least your type before you started dating ugly guys." she turns the screen toward alessia, revealing a photo of chris. immediately, alessia agrees with her best friend. chris is just her type.
alessia studies the photo for a moment, a thoughtful expression on her face. athena then shows her a photo of him from immediately after a football game, eyeblack smeared, hair wet, and a huge grin on his face. "oh, hello" she admits, the corners of her lips curling into a playful smile. "he's fine."
athena grins, clearly delighted by alessia's reaction. "told you! he's more than just fine; he's actually good at his sport. not only that, but he's practically begging you to text him."
alessia chuckles, her playful smile lingering. "alright, you got me. he's attractive. but why is he talking about me? what did he say exactly?" alessia feels like she's in high school again. all excited about a cute guy talking about her.
"he's been singing your praises for months apparently. just this time, the interview went completely viral. athena taps on her phone, pulling up the interview clip. the video starts playing, and alessia listens intently as chris talks being at her ucla show and being a fan.
alessia smirks, finding the situation amusing. "no fucking way he was at my show and i didn't notice." she chuckles slightly, shaking her head. "a fan would've had to have said something."
athena shrugs. "who cares? you know now. ball is so in your court now." athena clicks over to espn and starts scrolling through the absolutely hilarious comments on the situation. "low key might duet in the making between pop and football."
alessia laughs, imagining the unlikely collaboration. "you're terrible athena."
athena grins mischievously, her eyes dancing with excitement. "come on, lessy, this is too good to pass up. the whole world is shipping you two already. make a response."
alessia rolls her eyes, but a playful smirk tugs at her lips. "a response, huh? what do you have in mind, athena?"
athena hums, thinking for a moment. "i don't know! you're the funny one! i could help you come up with a dm though. i'm way better at that."
alessia considers the idea, tapping her fingers against her chin. "alright fine, i'll comment something." she takes her phone out her pocket and goes to the espn instagram page to find the post. "wait i already have something to comment and dm."
athena grins. "let the games begin."
ⁱⁿˢᵗᵃᵍʳᵃᵐ
espn
liked by christophersturniolo, alessiaaflores, and 1,916,220 others
espn UCLA's Chris Sturniolo shoots his shoot at Alessia Flores on an interview earlier today 👀👀 Rookie of the Year and Grammy New Best Artists. Do we see this couple? 🔥
tagged - sportscenter, espnw
user suddenly i like football
user as long as he's in alessia's age range, we're fine
user if she helps him have as good a season as last year then idc
user espn what are we doing...
user alessiaaflores he's cute and in your age range !!
user lowk yes
user football player and singer might be the move
user crossover we didn't know we needed
user we don't care !!
user so should i or should i not draft burrow into my fantasy team
user alright chris see you on the next album
user the way that this was actually his second time shooting his shot too is crazy
alessiaaflores how does this affect lebron's legacy ?
↳christophersturniolo no way
↳alessiaaflores didn't answer my question..
user okayyy why am i shipping this low key
♔♛
ʳᵉᵃˡ ˡⁱᶠᵉ
the bright lights of las vegas cast a warm glow on the bustling streets as chris steps into the lobby of his hotel. the day has been filled with interviews, media attention, and the constant whirlwind that accompanies the life of a rising football star. yet, amidst the chaos, a particular thought occupies his mind — the interaction with alessia on social media.
he can't believe that she actually saw the post this time. he doesn't know whether to be happy or embarrassed. no dm has come to him yet, but he honestly feels like he can consider this a win. he finally got noticed. it's progress.
who is he kidding? he's absolutely gassed right now.
unable to contain his excitement, chris swiftly makes his way to his hotel room, his mind buzzing with the possibilities. he enters the room, tossing his keys onto the dresser, and paces around for a moment, still caught in the thrill of the recent events.
unable to wait any longer, he grabs his phone and dials up matt and nick. after a few rings, matt's face appears on his screen first. he's outside and has a bag on his back. he's obviously on his way home after hockey.
"why are you smiling like a fucking idiot?" matt questions as he takes a sip from his water bottle.
chris rolls his eyes. "just wait for nick to join i have news." matt and nick are both home is massachutes. matt plays a winter sport so he doesn't have to go to campus early. nick doesn't play any sports at all, so he gets to enjoy his summer like a normal person.
after a few moments, nick's face pops up on the screen, joining the facetime call with matt. he's laying on a hammock, headphones around his neck, probably enjoying his summer peacefully at a friend's house.
chris can't contain the grin on his face as he greets them. he sets his phone down against the lamp on the best and claps his hands together. "you won't believe what just happened!"
matt arches an eyebrow, and nick leans closer to the screen, curiosity evident in his expression. "why are you so fucking happy?" nick asks.
chris takes a deep breath, excitement practically radiating from him. "bro, alessia saw a clip from an interview i did earlier today and she commented on it!"
both matt and nick's eyes widen in surprise, and then they burst into laughter simultaneously. matt shakes his head, still chuckling. "oh so she finally knows you exist?"
chris nods vigorously. "i'm not even kidding! she even responded to my reply to her comment." chris huffs as he throws himself backwards to lay on the carpet of the hotel room. "wow like now all she needs to do is let me take her to dinner."
nick snorts, rolling his eyes at his younger brother. "what espn interview are you even talking about? didn't you do like a million today?"
"i did one with molly. at the end she brought up that instagram story i made from when we went to her show in like april," chris explains, sitting up so his face is in few of the camera once again.
matt's eyes widen as he almost spits his water out. "no way. i looked crazy in that photo why did she actually have to see that." nick starts chuckling from his side of the world and matt rolls his eyes. "that's actually horrible."
chris laughs himself. "don't worry matt. you looked handsome." chris picks up his phone and lays back onto his back once more. after being forced to sit straight all day, laying on the floor is actually the most comfortable thing. "what should i do now though? should i dm her now?"
nick shrugs. "i'm actually a fan of that idea. your chances went from 0% to 1%. i kind of like your odds."
chris shakes his head as matt erupts into laughter. "i say dm her too. might actually work this time."
"alright." chris swipes off the facetime call and goes onto instagram. "i'll do it right now while she's possibly still acti..." chris trails off as he looks at his phone screen. alessia already dm'd him. alessia dm'd him first. "ALESSIA FUCKING DM'D ME."
"WHAT?" matt screams back. "SCREENSHARE OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN."
"STOP FUCKING YELLING I HAVE MY HEADPHONES IN," nick interrupts both of them.
with a smile on his face despite nick yelling at him, chris screenshares his screen to his brothers. on his screen is the dm from alessia.
no but fr
how does this affect lebron's legacy
"there is no way," nick says in genuine disbelief.
chris stares at his phone, almost in disbelief, while his brothers react with a mix of shock and amusement.
"no way," Matt repeats, looking at the screen as if it holds the secrets of the universe. nick, however, starts laughing.
"kid has alessia flores in his dms talking about lebron's legacy," nick says between chuckles. "sometimes i hate chris' luck."
chris, still grinning ear to ear, types out a response:
lebron's legacy will only be affected if you don't
let me take you to dinner.........
"absolutely do not send that. this is literally your first conversation," matt says with a shake of his head.
"matt don't be a hater." nick shakes his head and turns on the giraffe memoji on facetime. "i say be bold. it can't be worse than professing your love on live television."
"i agree nick." with a satisfied nod, he hits send. matt and nick are still on the facetime call, eagerly awaiting his next move. chris locks eyes with the camera, "alright, guys, i'm gonna go shower. i'll update you guys later."
before they can share more laughs or offer further advice, chris ends the facetime call. the hotel room falls into silence, and he's left alone with the anticipation of alessia's response.
VAL SPEAKS
feeling good about this one 🙏🙏