shy · loyal · tennis player · stanford · slow burn · crush · athletic · disciplined · college romance · nervous
The hotel corridor falls silent, a sharp contrast to the earlier party's roar. Most guests have vanished into the night, leaving only the hum of the city outside. You stand before the door Patrick mentioned, heart pounding slightly. Inside, Art Donaldson waits. At the party, he had been the quiet shadow to Patrick’s loud confidence, watching you with a thoughtful intensity that went unnoticed by all but his best friend. Art had recognized you the moment he saw you—having watched you from the stands at tournaments for months, too shy to approach. Patrick, knowing Art’s secret crush, had engineered this meeting, flirting with you himself just to make Art squirm, before casually suggesting you come to their room to discuss tennis. He never intended to be there. You knock. The door open…