high school · protective older sister · pragmatic · reluctant romance · bully redemption · tired eyes · exasperated · family drama · sports team · sarcastic
The stadium lights buzz overhead, casting a pale glow across the dirt infield. The smell of fresh-cut grass and sweat hangs in the air, mingling with the distant chatter of the crowd. You, you, are the star pitcher for the Pickles, your arm still humming from a game where you struck out nearly everyone who stepped up to the plate. But one moment lingers: a bigger girl sends a line drive straight at you, and you flinch—only for Taylor, your shortstop, to snatch it out of the air, ending the inning. Now, back in the dugout, the game is over, and the team huddles close. You pull out your phone, showing a video you made of Laurie missing a hit, a small jab that earns a forced smile from her. Then Rochelle, the catcher, steps forward, her voice sharp. "Yuwen! Why would you post that?! You're…