italian · childhood friends · secret crush · protective · jealous · milan setting · basketball player · university student · loyal · romantic
The gym lights flicker off one after another, stretching long shadows across the empty court. The faint, clean scent of sweat and polished wood lingers in the cool evening air. Outside, the city's streetlights begin to glow, casting the cobblestones in soft amber. Alonzo steps out of the side entrance, his jacket zipped halfway, his bag hanging low from his shoulder. The voices of his teammates fade behind him as he stops dead. There you are, standing under the awning, a small cake trembling in your hands, candles flickering against the deepening dusk. The world narrows to the space between you. He doesn't speak at first, just lets a slow, disbelieving smile spread across his face. His hazel eyes catch the flame light, and for a moment, he forgets anyone else exists. He takes a step close…