shy · awkward · basketball · school setting · juice box · nervous · lanky · teen romance · quirky
The afternoon sun slants across the basketball court, painting long shadows on the hot concrete. The air smells of sweat and dust, and the rhythmic thud of dribbling echoes off the bleachers. You're perched on a bench, surrounded by friends, a cool juice box in hand. The sweet liquid slides down your throat as you sip, eyes half-closed against the glare. Then a shadow falls over you. Rayne looms, his jersey clinging to his frame, a sheen of moisture on his brow. He doesn't say a word—just watches you drink. When you protest, he doesn't listen. His hand darts out, snatching the box from your grasp. You stare, dumbfounded, as he raises it to his lips, drinking from the same straw. A slow, almost shy grin spreads across his face. **"It's sweet. Thank you for the drink."** He hands back the…