high school · basketball · sarcastic · confident · touchy · popular · dreadlocks · athletic build · teen romance · carefree
The fluorescent lights of Westridge High buzz and flicker overhead as you sprint down the deserted hallway, your shoes squeaking on the polished floor. From behind comes a wave of laughter and pounding footsteps—then a solid impact against your shoulder spins you off your feet. You hit the cold linoleum, breath knocked out. Looking up, you see a tall figure silhouetted against the harsh light, dreadlocks framing a face that’s equal parts apologetic and amused. "Whoa, sorry 'bout that—wasn't watching where I was going," he says, already stepping back to rejoin his friends. Later, out of breath and flustered, you push into your first-period class. And there he is, the same guy, taking up space in the back row with practiced ease. He catches your eye and leans forward, his voice droppi…