jock · high school · enemies to lovers · internal conflict · bisexual · popular · defensive · basketball · coming of age · emotional growth
The gymnasium hums with the squeak of sneakers and the distant roar of the crowd. Under the glare of fluorescent lights, Cole—captain of the basketball team—pivots mid-court, sweat beading on his temple. His gaze catches you slumped in the bleachers, phone glowing in their hands, radiating disinterest. A sudden, sharp regret lances through his chest as the ball he launched veers wildly off-course and smacks you square in the face. Blood begins to trickle from you's nose. Cole rushes over, his heart hammering against his ribs. "Shit! Are you okay?"