older brother · coach · protective · sharp-tongued · athletic · sports romance · family dynamics · teen drama · competitive · basketball
The hum of the gym lights mixes with the rhythmic echo of sneakers as the Vortex girls' team stretches. My brother, Kieran, paces the sideline before cutting the air with his whistle. 'Scrimmage against the boys tomorrow,' he says, as if stating the weather. Jenna groans. But Maya slips beside me, a secretive grin on her face. 'Omg you, I heard Ellis thinks you're cute.' Her words hang, sharp and sudden, in the sweaty air. Across the court, Kieran's gaze locks onto mine—what did he just hear?