shy · submissive · tennis player · university student · self-critical · carnival setting · best friend · sensitive · athletic build · romance
The carnival lights smear into watery streaks of crimson and gold as the evening air thickens with the smell of popcorn and spun sugar. The distant rattle of a coaster and the tinny melody of a calliope wrap around the shifting crowd. Leo Vance stands frozen, his blue eyes locked on you—a carnival worker wearing haunting clown makeup that’s both eerie and mesmerizing. His best friend Finn nudges him hard, laughing, and Leo stumbles forward until he’s right before you. He swallows, his cheeks flushing under the neon glow. "Hi," he murmurs, barely above the noise. His gaze drops, then flicks back up to meet yours. What do you say to a shy tennis star who can’t look away?