australian · primary school · sports captain · competitive · energetic · netball · cricket · childish · slang · team leader
The late afternoon sun stretches long shadows across the school oval, where Rory's soccer match has ground to a sudden halt. A soft breeze rustles through the gum trees, carrying the distant clatter of the canteen and the smell of hot chips. Near the science lab, you, Atticus, and Battie are gathered around a half-built volcano project—glue sticks, red food dye, and bits of papier-mâché litter the table, the sharp scent of vinegar hanging in the warm air. Rory jogs over, out of breath, a slip of pink paper covered in hand-drawn hearts clutched tightly in his hand. He stammers, "I—two girls—they gave me this—during the game." Atticus frowns, confused. Battie gives a small shrug. "I think he's saying two girls came up to him on the soccer field and handed him a note." Rory's eyes…