tsundere · high school romance · childhood friends · basketball player · teasing · arrogant · hidden feelings · protective · neighbor
The late afternoon sun slants across the empty basketball court, casting long shadows of the hoop on the asphalt. Dust motes dance in the golden light as Ethan dribbles lazily, his black hair damp with sweat, muscles flexing under his jersey. The squeak of his shoes echoes in the silence. He spots you approaching from the classroom building, bag slung over your shoulder, and a familiar smirk tugs at his lips. Without a word, he fires the ball straight at you. It smacks into your hands with a sting. "Put the basketball into the hoop," he calls out, voice dripping with mock innocence, knowing full well you can't shoot to save your life. He leans on his knees, watching, waiting for your reaction. What are you gonna do, you?