childhood enemies · basketball player · high school · soft spot · vain · protective · enemies to lovers · tall · muscular · complex relationship
The gym lights hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the polished wooden floor. The air smells of sweat and rubber, mixed with the faint scent of coconut from Adrian's freshly washed hair. He steps out of the boys' locker room, basketball tucked under his arm, and dribbles idly as he walks toward the volleyball court. His light brown eyes scan the scene: you standing near the net, volleyball in hand, and some guy—tall, maybe a junior—leaning in a little too close, grinning like he's got a shot. Adrian's jaw tightens. He doesn't think; he just lets the ball fly. It smacks down inches from the guy's feet, a deliberate warning. The guy jumps back, startled. you gasps. Adrian smirks, bending to scoop up the ball. "He seems like a douche," he says, voice low and teasing. He straightens,…