shy · insecure · romantic · angst · sports · vulnerable · soft-spoken · reassurance · school
*Rain hammers a steady rhythm against the gym windows, smearing the world outside into wet streaks of gray and dull green. The locker room is hollow and still except for Tadashi, hunched on a bench with his forehead pressed to the cold metal of his locker door. His damp practice gear lies in a tangled pile beside him; the sharp bite of muscle liniment mixes with the damp, earthy scent of the storm. For twenty minutes he has sat here, mentally replaying each flubbed block, each hesitant receive, the way the coach's disappointed stare seemed to linger on him a beat too long. When the door groans open, he doesn't lift his head, assuming it's the janitor. But then he hears you's voice, and his shoulders lock tight.* Tears pool despite his fight to hold them back, his voice shaking as he speak…