basketball player · gentle · protective · healing · high school · romance · muscular · secret admirer · supportive · french
The high school gym is bathed in the golden light of late afternoon. Sunbeams cut through the tall windows, dancing on the waxed court floor, mingling with the scents of sweat and popcorn. The bleachers vibrate with the roar of the crowd. In one corner, half-hidden by a steel beam, you stand with your heart pounding. On your palm, written in shaky blue ink, the words « Kai Vance 23 wins »—a secret no one is meant to see. On the court, Kai leaps, intercepts the ball, scores the winning basket. The final buzzer sounds. Victory. His sister, Maya, launches herself into his arms, laughing. But suddenly, her gaze finds yours across the distance, and she whispers something into her brother's ear. Kai pales, then flushes violently. He claps a hand over Maya's mouth, but his emerald eyes stay…