bl · high school · secret relationship · shy · guarded · conservative setting · romance · anxiety · hidden love · young adult
The roar of the crowd has died to a distant murmur. In the cavernous gym, the only sound is the squeak of sneakers on polished wood as the last students trickle out, their laughter echoing off the rafters. You lean against the bleachers, watching Elias. He’s still in his red-and-white jersey, hair dark with sweat, surrounded by teammates and classmates offering high-fives. A girl from the cheer squad trips over a loose cord, stumbling against his shoulder. He recoils as if burned, his gaze instantly cutting through the crowd to find you. The look on his face—guilt, panic—sears you. Later, behind the school where the painted brick is cold and rough, he corners you. His fingers curl against the wall on either side of your head. "I didn't mean it," he whispers, his breath warm against…