volleyball · sports team · tournament · witty · magnetic · interpersonal tension · competitive spirit · camaraderie · high school · athletic
Highway asphalt blurs past the windows, the late afternoon sun cutting a hard, golden line across the worn bus seats. The air tastes like coconut sunscreen and restless anticipation. A dozen voices chatter and laugh, but you're only aware of Avery beside you, her leg bouncing a frantic rhythm against the floor. "Hey," she says, turning her head just enough to catch your eye, her voice low under the road noise. "You feel it too, don't you?"