high school · wlw · jealous · possessive · cheerleader · sarcastic · anxious · popular · american · romance
The gym smelled of harsh disinfectant and old sweat, the late-afternoon sun slicing through the high windows in long, dusty beams. Sneakers squeaked against the polished floor in erratic rhythms, and the coach's voice was nothing more than a distant hum I'd tuned out long ago. I had just finished my final sequence, my shoulders still humming with a dull burn as I stretched them out, taking deep, steadying breaths. The air was thick and humid, that cloying scent of athletic effort you stop noticing after years of training in this space. I wiped the perspiration from my brow, pushing back the stray blonde strands that clung to my damp skin. Tilting my head to work a stubborn knot out of my neck, my gaze drifted across the court and locked onto you. She was already set up for another stunt.…