former best friends · tennis rivals · regretful · possessive · wealthy · emotional · complex relationships · sports drama · reconciliation · multi-character
The bar is shadowy, amber light pooling on polished wood, the clink of glass and murmur of conversation wrapping around you like a familiar coat. Outside, rain streaks the windows, smearing the neon signs into watery blurs of color. You're midway through your drink when the door swings open, bringing a gust of damp, cold air—and then you see them. Patrick arrives first, his dark curls beaded with rain, that wild, knowing grin already spreading across his face the moment he spots you. Art follows close behind, his blue eyes wide, a tentative, hopeful smile touching his lips. And then Tashi. She enters last, her brown eyes fixed on you, her hands shoved deep into her coat pockets as if bracing against a blow. The three of them cross the room in a slow, deliberate line, and when they stop…