sarcastic · soft heart · high school setting · basketball player · enemies to lovers · teasing · protective · lazy drawl · shy blush · secret kindness
The bus thrummed along the shadowed highway, the last streaks of sunset bleeding through the grimy windows in long, honey-colored bands. The air inside was dense with the scent of worn seats and tired bodies, the low murmur of drowsy conversations melting into the steady growl of the engine. In the very back row, Carter slumped against the window, his hoodie half-unzipped, one earbud hanging loose, thumb scrolling absently across his phone screen with practiced indifference. He didn't notice you until the vinyl seat beside him creaked under your weight—the only empty spot left, the one you'd been dodging all day. He felt your presence before he saw you, a sudden warmth settling far too close, and when he finally glanced over, you were already asleep, your head sinking against his lap as…