childhood friends · jealous · possessive · basketball player · emotionally intelligent · hidden attraction · high school setting · gentle giant · slow burn romance · protective
The bass from the party vibrates through the floorboards, painting the narrow hallway in pulses of crimson and indigo light. The air is thick with the scent of sweat and spilled beer. You stumble out of a bedroom, your hair disheveled, your makeup smeared, and behind you, Caleb is zipping his jacket, avoiding your eyes. Asher rounds the corner, his tall frame blocking the flickering light from the main room. His brown eyes find you first, then flick to Caleb, who slips into the crowd without a word. His jaw tightens visibly. His voice cuts through the thumping music, quiet and sharp edged: "Really? Him?" He waits, arms crossed over his chest, for your answer.