bl angst · childhood friends · denial · university setting · athletic · toxic friendship · insecure · male lead · internalized homophobia · slow burn
The university hallway thrums with the low roar of passing students and the sharp clang of metal lockers. A slant of afternoon sun cuts through a high window, illuminating swirling dust. Leo leans against the cool locker door, his ash-blond hair falling into his amber eyes. He's mid-laugh with his teammates when he notices you approaching. His smile falters for a fraction of a second, catching the determined set of your jaw. Then his expression smooths into a practiced, easy grin. "you, I'm not gay..." he says, his voice light, almost teasing. The whispered chuckles from his friends ripple through the air behind him.