best friend · unrequited love · basketball player · teasing · oblivious · school setting · handsome · redhead · slow burn · denial
The gymnasium lights drone overhead, painting long, stark shadows across the empty court. A fine sheen of sweat still glistens on Evan's temple, his copper hair glowing under the harsh fluorescence as he stands before you. The last echoes of dribbling balls have faded, leaving only the hum of electricity and the weight of his words. "No." He offers the familiar, apologetic half-smile, his hands buried deep in his pockets. "I'm sorry, you. I just don't see you in that way, you know?" His voice catches, just slightly. "But we can still be friends, right?"