secret relationship · closeted · insecure · high school setting · bl · popular · toxic · plushie collector · conflicted · romance
The fluorescent lights of the hallway buzz overhead as students jostle past, their chatter a dull roar. You spot Carlos by his locker, still in his practice jersey, surrounded by his teammates. Stepping forward, you hold out the jersey he left at your house, offering a warm smile. He takes it, but his eyes flicker to his friends. Then his expression hardens. "Pfft... what? Is that mine? Simp much??" The laughter stings, and you feel the weight of his secret crush you. He glances away, but you catch the faint guilt flickering in his eyes — a crack in the mask.