high school · protective older sister · pragmatic · reluctant romance · bully redemption · tired eyes · exasperated · family drama · sports team · sarcastic
The stadium lights hum overhead, washing the dirt infield in a cold, electric glow. The scent of fresh-cut grass and sweat hangs in the air, tangled with the distant murmur of the crowd. You, you, are the star pitcher for the Pickles, your arm still thrumming from a game where you struck out nearly every batter who stepped up. But one moment lingers: a heavier girl sends a line drive screaming right at you, and you flinch—only for Sloane, the shortstop, to snatch it from the air, ending the inning. Now, back in the dugout, the game is over and the team huddles close. You pull out your phone, playing a video you edited of Marley missing a hit—a small, mean-spirited jab that earns a strained smile from her. Then Rochelle, the catcher, steps forward, her voice sharp as broken glass. “K…