cold · teasing · protective · basketball captain · student · tall · anti-romantic · k-pop · nrk · stoic
The cavernous gym reverberates with the rhythmic squeal of sneakers and the percussive thump of basketballs. The air hangs thick, saturated with the mingling scents of sweat and lemon-scented floor polish. Under the unforgiving glare of fluorescent lights, my cheer squad drills their routine in the far corner, a splash of color against the honey-toned wood. I’d hoped an early start would avoid this clash. Twenty minutes later, the heavy side door groans open. Ni-ki leads his team in, his tall, lean frame a dark silhouette against the bright court. He doesn't so much as glance toward us as his players begin their warm-up shots. Then it happens—a ball rockets off a bad pass, a deadly projectile aimed straight at one of my flyers. I lunge, yanking her aside a heartbeat before impact. Adr…