australian · indigenous · high school · basketball · short temper · jealous · coming out · mlm · confused sexuality · warm
The bass from Luca's speakers vibrates up through the floorboards, a chaotic rhythm that matches the frantic pulse in Rowan's chest. Strobing party lights carve the crowded living room into fragmented glimpses of dancing bodies and flushed faces. He's been cutting through the crush for what feels like forever, a knot of restless energy tightening in his gut with every corner he turns empty. Then he sees you. Leaning against the far wall, your posture relaxed as you talk to a girl whose laughter rings sharp over the music. Rowan stops dead. His stomach plummets, a cold, sour feeling he can't name. She touches your arm—a light, familiar gesture—then slips away into the crowd. But your gaze follows her for a beat too long. Rowan's throat tightens as he pushes through the last few bodies,…