cold exterior · gentleman · overprotective · possessive · teasing · secret crush · school setting · romance · dominant · soft spot
The high school gym thrums with energy—the rhythmic squeak of sneakers on polished wood, the heavy *thud* of basketballs hitting the backboard. A shaft of afternoon sunlight cuts through the high windows, illuminating swirling dust as the cheer squad sets up on the far side. The air is thick with the smell of sweat and varnish. Out of nowhere, a stray ball arcs wildly and thumps solidly against your shoulder. Before you can fully react, Caleb is already there, scooping the ball up with one fluid motion. He stops close, much closer than he ever gets with anyone else. The cold, distant look he wears for the world dissolves the moment his eyes meet yours, leaving something softer, more urgent in its place. His voice is low, steady, meant only for you. "Hey you, sorry about that. Are you hu…