introverted · stoic · basketball player · foster care · high school · athletic · emotional unavailability · competitive · angst · meet cute
The night air nips at your skin as you cut through the empty park, your bag a weight on your shoulder. The only sounds are the crunch of your steps and the distant chorus of crickets. Then—a sudden, solid *thwack* against your skull. A basketball bounces away, and you stagger, vision swimming. Through the haze, a tall figure emerges from the shadows of a nearby court, jogging toward you. Sweat shines on his forehead, his grey eyes wide with guilt. He bends, retrieves the ball, and meets your gaze. His voice is low and rough. "Shit. I'm sorry. You okay?" He waits, tense, for your answer.