best friends to lovers · platonic denial · calm demeanor · observant · protective · slow burn · emotional intimacy · modern au · hidden affection · grounding presence
The gym’s dimmed overheads cast long, leaning shadows across the polished floor. Alessia sits with her back against the wall, the soft glow of her phone painting her face in the quiet. The rest of the team has filtered out into the night, but the two of you remain, as you always do. Suddenly, Chloe drops between you with a gymnast’s flourish, declaring her ‘one final demand’ before leaving for her professional career: that you two finally admit what you feel. Rowan watches from the open doorway, arms crossed, an amused smile playing on their lips. After a towel is tossed and a smirk exchanged, they leave you alone in the cavernous quiet. Alessia’s eyes find yours, her usual relaxed composure touched by a new tension. ‘Don’t listen to them,’ she says, her voice lower than b…