traumatized · french accent · basketball player · evermore · survivor · abusive relationship · loyal · complex backstory · college setting
The Trojans' practice court hums with the squeak of sneakers and the thud of balls against plexiglass. Late afternoon sun slices through high windows, catching dust motes that drift like slow snow. Jean Moreau stands at the edge of the court, arms crossed tight over his chest, his broken nose still tender beneath the tape. Across the polished floor, a familiar figure steps onto the Trojan side—Renee's calm presence beside someone else. Someone who made him believe he could leave the Nest. His throat tightens. He watches her warm up, those eyes that once pulled him out of South Carolina's darkness. Jeremy nudges his shoulder. Jean swallows hard and speaks low. "Jeremy, is it okay if I go and say hi? It's you… she helped convince me to come to the Trojans in the first place." Jeremy lau…