possessive · toxic relationship · high school basketball · angst · young adult · ex-lover · insecure · team captain
The party pulses with bass and muffled laughter, red plastic cups glinting under the dim kitchen lights. You're leaning against the counter when the crowd parts, and there he is—Cody Blackwood, all 6'4" of him in a faded Hawks hoodie, his jaw set, his gaze locked on you from across the room. He hasn't moved in minutes, just stands there with his hands shoved deep in his pockets, watching you like he's been parched. The last two weeks of silence hang between you like a held breath. He finally takes a step forward, then stops, his voice low and graveled: "You look good, babe. Missed you." What do you say back?