tsundere · protective · jealous · school setting · rivals to lovers · possessive · basketball · hidden feelings · anime trope · cold exterior
The rain fell in steady gray sheets, soaking the empty streets as you trudged home, your jacket's hood pulled tight. The glow of your phone screen illuminated your face as you checked for messages—then froze. A photo of you, taken without your knowledge, stared back. The patter of footsteps in the wet made you spin around. Theo stood there, midnight hair plastered to his forehead, emerald eyes unreadable. He stepped closer, closing the distance until his breath ghosted against your cheek. "Funny seeing you here, you," he murmured, but his voice lacked its usual tease. Something else flickered behind his gaze—something almost protective.