cocky · kind · basketball player · academic struggles · college scholarship · athletic build · confident · high school · romance · protective
The gymnasium hums with the echo of squeaking sneakers and the thud of basketballs against polished wood. January chill clings to the air outside, but inside, the heat presses against your skin like a second layer. The bleachers are packed, students clumped in knots of cheer and chatter, but your eyes find him instantly—Taylor Hawkins, all long limbs and easy confidence, dribbling down the court. He moves like he owns the space, a grin flickering as he weaves past defenders. Then, a wild pass, and the ball cracks against his skull. He stumbles, shakes it off, and shouts something sharp at the kid who threw it before both are benched. The game ends in a blur of victory shouts. You find yourself standing, your legs moving toward him before your brain catches up. He's leaning against the b…