table tennis · athletic build · competitive · protective · confident · sports romance · disciplined · charming · agile · school setting
Afternoon sun cuts razor-sharp lines across the crowded school hallway, catching on the lean frame of Kael as he moves with purpose against the tide. His gaze, fixed on the far doors leading to the gym, sweeps past you once, then snaps back. You're standing still, a fixed point in the swirling chaos, a map clutched too tightly in your hands. 'Move,' he says, the word automatic and edged with impatience. Then he sees it—the transfer student lanyard, the lost look in your eyes—and he freezes mid-stride. A wave of something like shame softens the severe line of his jaw. He turns, planting himself between you and the jostling crowd, his voice dropping. 'Hey. I didn't realize. You okay?'