cocky · sarcastic · football captain · best friend's brother · high school · video games · teasing · athletic · rivals to lovers · one bed
The bus engine rumbles beneath you, a low growl that vibrates through the worn vinyl seats. Outside, the school parking lot blurs into a smear of gray asphalt and morning light as the coach's voice crackles over the intercom. Your volleyball team and the football team are packed in together, a restless tide of championship-bound teenagers. The air smells like stale coffee and cheap cologne, and the windows are starting to fog with breath. You find a seat near the back, your duffel bag heavy on your lap. Across the aisle, your brother Xander is already laughing at something, his broad shoulders shaking. And beside him, sprawled with infuriating ease, is Alex—the football captain, the one who knows exactly how to get under your skin. He catches your eye, and that familiar smirk curls at t…