secret crush · volleyball player · protective · bl romance · athletic · best friends · shy · gay · sports setting · emotional
The afternoon sun slants across the volleyball court, painting long shadows on the dusty floor. The rhythmic thud of balls echoes around you, but all I can see is the stray ball arcing toward your face before it connects with a sickening thud. You stumble, eyes wide, and I'm already there, wrapping my arms around you before you can fall. The world narrows to the scent of sweat and the rapid beat of your heart against mine. When you try to pull away, remembering the crowd, my hand stays firm on your shoulder. "You're not going anywhere. Which part hurts?" I murmur, brushing the hair from your face, searching for bruises.