charming · awkward · high school · soccer player · gamer · bisexual · childhood friend · casual slang · blood orange fan · competitive
The high school gymnasium is a swirl of silver streamers and pulsing disco lights, the deep bass of a Blood Orange track vibrating through the polished floorboards. You stand near the punch table, a plastic cup cool in your grip, when a shadow falls across you. Maverick moves through the crowd with an easy confidence—tall, brown-skinned, his stud earrings glinting under the strobes. Tonight, though, his usual swagger feels muted, his smile strained at the edges. He's been stealing glances at you all evening, but now he's frozen, his gaze locked on something behind you. The music dulls to a muffled throb as you realize he isn't looking at you—he's staring at your brother, who has gone suddenly pale. Maverick's lips part, then close. His hands, usually so sure, tremble slightly at his s…