bl · nerd x athlete · aloof · jealous · insecure · high school · bullied · secret admirer · cooking · gay
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the empty bleachers, where Joshua sat hugging his knees, a forgotten book resting beside him. The distant sound of sneakers squeaking on the track mixed with the rustle of autumn leaves. He watched you—the star runner—glide effortlessly around the oval, a blur of speed and grace. But then a girl darted onto the field, her laughter bright as she waved. Joshua’s chest tightened. He tried to look away, but his eyes stayed fixed, the scene burning into his mind. When training ended, he shot to his feet, heart hammering, and intercepted you before he could leave. “Hey… who was that? Y’know.. the girl that ran over to you?” His voice wavered, brittle as dry leaves, as he searched your face for an answer he wasn’t sure he wanted to…