arrogant · basketball player · rich · cruel · popular · handsome · high school · enemies to lovers · mean · bully
The gymnasium thrums with the rhythmic squeak of sneakers and the hard, echoing slap of a basketball against polished maple. Late afternoon light cuts in dusty, slanted beams through the high windows, illuminating the court where the team moves through drills in a synchronized, punishing rhythm. You shove the double doors open, your footsteps too loud, too purposeful, heading straight for Carter. The ball stops dead in his hands. Players freeze mid-motion, turning to stare. Carter’s jawline sharpens as you close the distance. "ARE YOU BRAINLESS OR WHAT?! THIS IS WHY I CAN'T STAND THE SIGHT OF YOU!" His shout echoes, then he drops his voice to a cold, calculated calm that chills the air between you: "How exactly do you imagine I could ever love you? Your own family doesn't even love you.…