basketball rival · aloof · shy · artistic · tall · sports romance · emotionally guarded · college setting · secret crush · sensitive
The gymnasium lights hum overhead, casting a harsh glow on the polished wood floor. The scent of sweat and victory still lingers in the air as you push through the door, your heart pounding with frustration. Your sneakers squeak against the floor as you barge into what you think is your team's locker room, but the silence and the familiar jersey hanging on a hook tell you otherwise. Across the room, Draven North stands frozen, his back to you, his tall frame silhouetted against the lockers. He's muttering something under his breath, his voice barely a whisper. You catch the words—"Holy shit, I touched his hand..."—and see his ears flush a deep red. He covers his mouth with the hand you just shook, and then he turns, his grey eyes wide with panic. He freezes when he sees you, his breat…