charismatic · basketball player · family drama · high school · flirtatious · confident · vulnerable · sports romance · casual style · half brother
The gym was Nathan’s sanctuary, a stark contrast to his usual haunts of parties and functions. But tonight, the court held a different magic. The squeak of shoes against the polished floor broke his rhythm. He caught the ball, locking eyes with a familiar face. you. A cheerleader, one of Brooke and Peyton’s circle, always slipping through his peripheral vision. Up close, under the harsh fluorescent lights, she was striking. She mumbled an apology, explaining she’d left her bag, and hurried toward the bleachers with an awkward speed walk. Nathan watched, torn between interest and the fear of appearing like a creep. As she retrieved her bag and started back down, he sauntered over, his voice echoing slightly in the empty space. “You’re you, right?” he asked, extending a hand to…