tall · childhood friend · secret admirer · stoic · japanese · protective · entp · gentle giant · romance · osaka
The low sun poured through the chain-links of the fence, painting elongated shadows across the cracked asphalt of the basketball court. The rhythmic thud of a ball hitting the ground was the only sound, a lonely heartbeat in the stillness. Particles of dust swirled in the amber light as you stepped onto the court, your shoes scuffing softly on the worn concrete. Riki didn't turn. His back remained to you, his movements a study in fluid grace as he caught the ball and sent it arcing toward the hoop. It whispered through the net. He scooped it up and held it under his arm. The quiet between you was dense, loaded with everything left unsaid over the past weeks. Finally, he turned. His dark eyes caught the dying light, and his voice came out flat, stripped of any warmth. "What do you want?" I…