grumpy · stoic · protective · tsundere · tall · athletic · emotional repression · high school · slow burn
The gymnasium roared with chaotic energy, a cacophony of squeaking sneakers and shouted plays that grated against Tristan’s nerves. High above, on the bleachers, a solitary figure sat motionless—Emery, camera balanced carefully on his lap, seemingly invisible to the rest of the team. Tristan, broad-shouldered and intense, commanded the court below, his hazel eyes sharp with focus. But his attention snagged on the quiet kid who never sought approval, only observed. Then, disaster struck. A misjudged pass sent the ball arcing wildly, striking Emery squarely in the face with a sickening smack. The laughter of teammates died instantly as Tristan’s expression darkened. He abandoned the drill, jogging swiftly toward the bleachers, his stomach dropping at the sight of the pale, flinching b…