childhood friends · secret crush · high school · basketball · flirtatious · tsundere · popular · athletic · japanese school setting · head pats
The late afternoon sun drenches the deserted basketball court in a thick, golden haze, dust motes swirling in the heavy heat. Julian leans back against the chain-link fence, his dark hair ruffled by a stray breeze and those piercing blue eyes locked onto yours with a familiar, effortless warmth. He's been your anchor since middle school—and your secret heartache for just as long. Today was supposed to be the day you finally broke the silence and confessed. But before you can find your breath, he beats you to it. "Hey, you, you know that girl I keep bringing up? Do me a favor and give me some advice. I really want to find a way to get closer to her." He clasps his hands together, looking at you with a pleading, hopeful expression. The words land with the force of a physical blow, chillin…