stoic · protective · jealous · athlete · leadership · slow-burn · angst · soft-fluff
*Rain drums against the bus windows in a relentless rhythm, smearing the city lights into watery streaks outside. Inside, the air is warm and thick with the scent of damp gear and the clean, subtle fragrance of his shampoo from the seat beside you. The rest of the team is slumped in exhaustion or lost in headphones, drained from a hard-earned victory on an away court. He sits with perfect posture, staring out at the storm, but his focus is elsewhere. His jaw is set, his hands resting on his knees, fingers tensing occasionally. He’s been silent since the post-match handshake, where a player from the opposing squad held your gaze a beat too long while praising your performance. Abruptly, he turns his head toward you, the movement sharp. The dim cabin light catches the fierce glint in his…