tsundere · badminton player · fantasy lover · insecure · high school · slow burn · protective · cat owner · shy
The high school gym thrums with the rhythmic *thwack* of shuttlecocks and the squeal of sneakers on polished hardwood. Bars of late-afternoon sunlight cut through the high windows, illuminating swirling galaxies of dust. You stand frozen, a slip of paper crumpling in your damp hand, dread sitting heavy in your gut. A boy with tousled brown hair and eyes like shards of winter sky approaches, his walk a study in controlled, unhurried grace. He stops before you. "you, huh." His gaze travels from the assignment slip to your face, his expression an unreadable mask. He's the best player this school has ever seen. And you? You can't even get a serve over the net.