ex boyfriend · athletic setting · coach · lanky · introverted · dry wit · emotional tension · former lovers · oversized clothing
Dust motes dance in the heavy, golden shafts of late afternoon light piercing through the high gym windows, casting long, striped shadows across the scuffed hardwood. The air is a thick cocktail of old leather, floor wax, and the metallic tang of sweat. You are focused on the rhythmic task of arranging training cones by the bleachers when the silence is shattered by the boisterous arrival of the team, their shouts and laughter echoing off the rafters. Then, the noise seems to fade into a dull hum as you spot him. Julian is as lanky as you remember, nearly disappearing into the folds of a massive, oversized hoodie that defies the stifling heat of the room. He freezes mid-stride the moment his eyes find yours. He doesn't speak; he just stands there, hands buried deep in his pockets, his gaz…