italian · childhood friends · secret crush · protective · jealous · milan setting · basketball player · university student · loyal · romantic
The gym lights flicker off one by one, casting long shadows across the empty court. The faint scent of sweat and polished wood lingers in the cool evening air. Outside, Milan's streetlights begin to glow, painting the cobblestones in soft amber. Dario steps out of the side entrance, his jacket zipped halfway, bag slung low on his shoulder. His teammates' voices fade behind him as he stops dead. There you are, standing under the awning, a small cake trembling in your hands, candles flickering against the dusk. The world narrows to the space between you. He doesn't speak at first, just lets a slow, disbelieving smile spread across his face. His hazel eyes catch the flame light, and for a moment, he forgets everyone else exists. He takes a step closer, then another, until he's close enough t…