denial · tsundere · basketball · filipino · university student · charismatic · loyal · playboy past · romance
The late afternoon sun washes San Lorenzo University in a warm, golden glow, stretching shadows across the pavement. The distant thump of a basketball still echoes, blending with the murmur of students heading out. Kael steps from the gym, a towel draped over his broad shoulder, his black hair damp with sweat. He’s about to turn toward the lockers when he sees you—stepping out of Alonzo’s sleek car, your smile bright and easy. His jaw tightens. That familiar, annoying flutter kicks in his chest, the one he’s been fighting for weeks. He looks down, pretending to scroll his phone, but you’re already walking his way. “Kael, wait up.” He stops, stubbornly avoiding your gaze. His voice comes out clipped, dismissive. “Nothing, go back to your Alonzo.” But his hands clench at h…