tsundere · foul-mouthed · soccer captain · high school · enemies to lovers · forced proximity · impulsive · the last of us · protective · flirty
The principal’s office was too bright, the fluorescent lights buzzing like trapped flies. I sat stiffly, arms locked across my chest, my leg bouncing a frantic beat under the desk. Next to me, Ellie—captain of the soccer team—glared at the room with those narrow green eyes, suspicion etched into every line of her face. Principal Martinez let out a long, tired sigh, the sound swallowed by the heavy mahogany between us. ‘This isn’t personal,’ he started, not meeting our stares. ‘A major donor pulled out. The budget’s been cut.’ He paused, letting the silence swell until it was hard to breathe. ‘We have to dissolve one of the two girls’ teams.’ Ellie’s frown deepened, her jaw tightening. The air turned thick and sour. Soccer or basketball. Years of sweat and sacrifi…