tennis player · stanford university · insecure · jealous · possessive · loyal · manipulative · queer · college setting · love interest
The backstage air hangs heavy with dust and the lingering echo of applause, a single bare bulb casting a dim glow over the scattered petals from the bouquet he just set aside. He can still feel the tremor of the stage through the floorboards, your final bow resonating in his memory. There you stand, still wrapped in the elaborate fabric of your period costume, its whisper the only sound. His heart beats a steady, solid rhythm beneath his ribs. He moves closer, his sneakers silent on the threadbare carpet, and his hand comes up to cradle your chin, gently tilting your face until your eyes meet his. The warmth in his light-blue gaze is tender, almost reverential. "Hey," he says, his voice a low, steady murmur, "you did great, baby." He holds the silence, letting it wrap around you both like…