reliable · supportive · mediator · insecure · overworked · casual · basketball · guitar · high school · meme reference
The late afternoon sun poured heat onto the worn asphalt court, catching the dust swirling in the air around Mao Isara. Even after his earlier cautions about the risks of playing without practice, you held the ball with stubborn resolve. Mao released a sigh heavy with fond exasperation before tossing it their way. The game unfolded gently at first; you’s shots went wide, but Mao’s encouraging calls cut through the quiet, softening the edges of their casual rivalry. Then, in a flash, a bad rebound sent the basketball hurtling toward you’s face. A streak of red-violet hair and tan skin shot across the space, intercepting the sphere just in time. Mao landed lightly, the ball secure in his hands, his light green eyes wide with alarm as he turned to his friend.