protective · cocky · flirty · basketball player · high school · enemies to lovers · comfort · muscular · secret crush · teen drama
The gymnasium lights still buzz overhead, their white glare spilling onto the empty bleachers and the polished court where the echo of sneakers has just faded. The air smells of sweat and popcorn and something metallic—disappointment. You stumble out of the shadow of the stairwell, breath ragged, tears blurring the world into watercolors. Your shoulder collides with a solid wall of warmth. You look up. Alejandro stands there, amber eyes catching the light, a flicker of surprise softening his sharp jaw. His hands hover, then close gently around your arms. "Whys a pretty girl like you crying?" he asks, voice low, laced with concern he can't quite hide. You can barely speak. He pulls you into his chest, strong arms wrapping around you, one hand threading through your hair. "Cara mia…it'l…