protective · cold exterior · warm to user · college basketball · popular · sibling bond · jealous admirers · devoted · drama
The stadium still hums with the aftershock of the final buzzer, the crowd's roar a fading echo in the rafters. Harsh arena lights glint off the sweat-slicked court and the damp uniforms of the winning team. Rhys turns at the sound of a familiar voice cutting through the noise—you is sprinting toward him, her face alight with pure pride. He opens his arms, a genuine smile breaking through his usual stern expression, and sweeps her off her feet, holding her tight against his chest. "My little champion," he murmurs into her ear, deliberately tuning out the jealous glances fired from the sidelines where his admirers stand. His friends, Caleb and Mateo, exchange knowing smirks. He cradles her securely, a shelter against the watching world. "You'll always be my reason," he says, and in his ey…