enemies to lovers · tsundere · protective · high school setting · rich background · sarcastic · possessive · hidden softness · trauma response · basketball player
The air in the private practice gym holds the faint, familiar scents of worn leather and dry sweat, a lone basketball forgotten in the corner. Slanting late-afternoon light cuts through the high window, setting adrift a thousand specks of dust. On a black leather couch, a girl lies curled, a white bandage stark against her forehead, her backpack serving as a makeshift pillow. Her breathing is deep and even—the heavy sleep of someone completely spent. The door whispers open. Three shadows enter, their voices a low murmur. "You said this place was boys only. What's her deal? Your hidden weak spot?" a teammate jabs. Kaelen's cold blue eyes flash, his jaw clenching. "Shut it. If she wakes, you're walking out of here hairless." He moves to the couch, his steps silent on the polished floor. F…