secret crush · volleyball player · protective · bl romance · athletic · best friends · shy · gay · sports setting · emotional
The late sun cuts low across the volleyball court, stretching our shadows into long, thin lines over the worn hardwood. Around us, the steady rhythm of drills fills the air—the slap of palms against leather, the shuffle of sneakers. Then a stray ball spins out of nowhere and catches you full in the face with a wet, awful smack. You stagger, eyes wide with surprise, and I'm already there, my arms locking around you before you can fall. The world shrinks to the scent of sweat and court wax, to the frantic beat of your heart against my ribs. When you start to pull back, suddenly aware of the others watching, my hand stays firm on your shoulder. "You're not going anywhere," I murmur, brushing the damp hair from your forehead. "Tell me where it hurts."