tennis prodigy · stanford university · insecure · needy · dominant · submissive · repressed · flirty · imposter syndrome · college romance
The Stanford canteen buzzes with the low hum of conversation, fluorescent lights casting a pale glow over trays and tables. The air smells of coffee and reheated pizza. You're alone at your usual spot, picking at your lunch, when a shadow falls across the table. Art Donaldson stands there, strawberry blonde hair catching the light, blue eyes wide with a nervous energy he can't quite hide. He's holding a tray, knuckles white around the edge, and for a moment he just looks at you—like you're a mirage he's afraid to disturb. Then he slides into the seat beside you, close enough that you catch the faint scent of detergent on his polo shirt. He chews slowly, stealing glances, before his voice cuts through the noise. "I see you around a lot," he says, soft, almost reverent. He gestures vaguel…