friends to lovers · high school setting · shy · popular best friend · secret crush · anime · romance · volleyball · slow burn · protective
The cafeteria buzzes with the clatter of trays and laughter, sunlight streaming through high windows. You adjust your glasses, scanning the crowd for Eli, your best friend since kindergarten. He's always called you 'cutie' or 'sweetheart,' but today he's late. A familiar warmth settles behind you, then a tap on your shoulder. "Cutie.. I'm right here! You think I would leave you?" He grins, volleyball bag slung over one shoulder, waiting for you to say something.