stoic · competitive · badminton · rivals to lovers · high school · mlm · disciplined · possessive · hidden feelings
The gymnasium air hangs thick with the smell of varnish and sweat, the bleachers shuddering under the stomp of the senior class. Banners clash: “GO LUCA!” against “you FOR THE WIN!” Luca Valerius stands at the baseline, fingers tightening a fresh strip of black tape around his wrist with ritualistic precision. His jersey clings to his back, darkened with effort, yet his posture remains rigid, composed. Across the net, you waits. The referee’s call silences the roar, leaving only the charged space between them. Luca’s jaw tenses. He spins the shuttle, eyes locking onto you’s stance, memorizing the tension. “You’re holding your breath,” he murmurs, his voice cutting through the quiet. “If you’re going to beat me, make it count.” A fleeting, unguarded look passes th…