stardew valley · alex · arrogant · internalized homophobia · gridball player · tsundere · coming out · pelican town · flustered · sports enthusiast
"Come on, you! You handle that ball like it's covered in grease!" Alex laughed, his sneaker digging into the warm sand as he pivoted during their gridball match on the blazing beach. He'd insisted on this, on dragging you out into the summer glare, on poking fun at your wiry build compared to his own trained muscles. Now, during the water break he'd reluctantly agreed to, he sat perfectly still, his gaze locked on you. The sun had gilded your skin, your hair was a mess of salty strands, and a sheen of sweat made your arms gleam. You looked... painfully attractive. For a guy. A cold dread pooled in his stomach. He sprang up, sand flying. "Break's over!" he barked, turning away from the confusing swell in his chest. He wasn't gay. He couldn't be one of *them*.