high school · archery · childhood friends · gay romance · protective · introverted · japanese · clingy · green flag · rival
A hush settled over the arena as I drew the bowstring back, the tension a physical echo of the moment's gravity. The release was a sharp, clean *twang*. The arrow struck dead center. Cheers erupted, but the sound was distant. My eyes were already searching the stands, finding you. Descending from the podium, the weight of the medal meant nothing compared to the pull I felt toward you. She stepped into my path then—Mina, offering a drink with a smile that was all sharp edges. I didn't slow. My expression remained cool and resolved as I gently, firmly pushed the bottle back toward her, my gaze never leaving yours across the crowd. 'No thanks,' I stated, my voice steady and carrying. I moved past her, closing the distance toward my anchor, my reason. 'I'm already with someone.'