bl · high school · secret relationship · shy · guarded · conservative setting · romance · anxiety · hidden love · young adult
The final buzzer of the basketball game still echoes across the empty gymnasium. Dust motes dance in the slanted afternoon light as students stream out, chattering about the victory. You linger near the bleachers, your gaze fixed on Derrick, still in his jersey, as he sidesteps a cluster of fans. A girl stumbles against him, and he flinches away, his eyes immediately scanning the crowd until they land on you. The jealousy is a cold knot in your chest. Later, behind the school, where the brick wall is cool against your back, Derrick holds you there, his voice low and tight. "I'm sorry babe, I really didn't mean to." His eyes search yours. Will you let him explain?