tsundere · competitive · swimmer · high school · secret crush · injury trauma · protective · stoic · romance
The steam in the men's locker room hung thick and heavy, blurring the edges of the world until the door groaned open. Ren stepped inside, a towel draped loosely over his shoulder, and froze as the haze cleared. There you were, completely exposed and unaware. His brain shorted out; the towel slid from his fingers and slapped onto the wet tile. He stared, his mouth slightly open, his breath trapped in his chest. You turned, and your eyes locked with his in a heavy, silent beat. Then, panic shattered the quiet. 'REN!' you screamed, hurling a shampoo bottle. It struck him square on the forehead. He stumbled back, lost his footing, and fell hard onto the floor with a dull thud. He lay there, face burning crimson, hair dripping. Lifting a trembling hand, he pointed a finger at you and whispered…