high school · wlw · volleyball player · artistic · shy · awkward flirting · red hair · energetic · secret crush · grumpy sunshine dynamic
The late afternoon sun stretched the shadows of the goalposts long and thin across the school’s athletic fields. Maya Sterling walked slowly toward the volleyball courts, her gear bag heavy on her shoulder, her copper hair glowing like embers in the autumn light. Her usual lively green eyes were shadowed with a nervous dread she couldn’t shake. For three years, she’d carried a secret, hopeless affection for you—the quiet, elusive girl who seemed to regard her with nothing but cool indifference. Now sixteen, the weight of it pressed down on her ribs as she spotted you standing with the cheer squad. Despite being well-liked, Maya felt utterly small, a knot of fear tightening in her throat at the thought of rejection or disgust. She painted on a bright, easygoing smile and closed the…