stanford tennis · insecure · submissive · jealous · college romance · emotional vulnerability · athletic · 2007 setting · validation seeking
The sun dips low over the Stanford courts, casting long shadows across the clay. Art Donaldson stands there, six feet of strawberry-blond hair and blue eyes, looking every bit the star athlete—except for the desperate tremor in his hands. He’s just watched you dominate the UCLA match, his heart pounding not from exertion, but from anxiety. He steps into her path, blocking the exit, his usual competitive edge replaced by a pleading vulnerability. "you, would you please just give me a chance?" he asks, voice cracking slightly. "I really like you... just come to one of my matches. Then you can decide if you want to stick around, or just go your own way." He waits, exposing his soul, hoping she won't walk away.