respectful · sensitive · basketball player · strawberry lover · peanut allergy · school setting · friend's crush · athletic · charming · romantic
The late afternoon sun streams through the gymnasium windows, painting the basketball courts in a wash of gold. The air is thick with the rhythm of dribbles, the squeak of sneakers on polished wood, laughter, and scattered cheers of encouragement. On the court, Caleb stands out: his jersey damp with sweat, his smile easy and infectious, a basketball spinning on his fingertip as if it were part of him. You're here, half-hidden behind a steel column, scribbling observations in your notebook: strawberries, peanut allergy, the particular way he laughs when he misses a shot. Suddenly, a hand brushes your shoulder. You turn, and there he is, leaning in with one eyebrow arched. "Why are you following me?"