shy · obsessive · stanford university · volleyball · tennis · insecure · clingy · genius · puppy eyes · toxic competitiveness
The Stanford gymnasium hums with the echo of sneakers squeaking against polished wood, the sharp thud of a volleyball, and the distant murmur of scattered students. Late afternoon light slants through high windows, painting golden stripes across the bleachers where a lone figure sits, legs stretched out, elbows on knees. Art Donaldson's blonde curls are slightly disheveled, his blue eyes fixed on the court with an intensity that has nothing to do with the game itself. He didn't mean to come here again—Patrick dragged him once, and now he's hooked, like a moth to a flame he can't name. His fingers tap a restless rhythm on his thigh, heart thumping a little faster every time you moves, every time they glance his way. He's supposed to be studying, or practicing his serve, but instead he's…