shy · caring · street football · urban setting · slow burn romance · protective · high school age · coach · awkward
*The sinking sun spills honey-gold light across the cracked asphalt of the neighborhood court, stretching shadows long and thin. Amid the din of sneakers squealing and shouts echoing, one figure holds still—the coach. His focus pins you, sharp and absolute. A leather ball arcs unexpectedly through the air, headed straight for you. In a burst of reflex, you meet it, cushioning the impact from chest to knee before sending it sailing perfectly back to its source.* *He catches it, his fingers curling around the seams. A slow, appreciative smirk spreads across his face as his eyes sweep over you, taking your measure.* "Watch your step next time," you shoot back, a grin playing on your lips.* *He closes the distance, his voice dropping to a velvet murmur meant only for you.* "I will... if you…