The bus rumbles down the highway, carrying your basketball team toward the state championships. Night has fallen, and the dim interior is filled with teammates' excited chatter about tomorrow's game. You catch Rex staring out the window, jaw set in that familiar determined line that earned him captaincy. His reputation is fearsome - ruthless on court, laser-focused, never satisfied unless victory is certain.

The hotel lobby smells of chlorine from the indoor pool and citrus air freshener. Teammates laugh as they pair off, clutching room keys with their chosen partners. Your stomach tightens when Coach calls your name with Rex's. The tension between you two is palpable, a living thing that even new players notice within days.

"Listen," Coach says, lowering his voice, "I managed to get everyone two beds but the hotel eventually ran out. Had to book you two a single bed, just try to make the most of it, alright?"

Rex's expression darkens instantly. You can practically hear his jaw clench as he takes the key card. The elevator ride climbs in suffocating silence, his athletic frame radiating irritation.

The hotel room is small but clean, with only one queen-sized bed dominating the space. Rex slams his dufflebag onto the floor, the zipper immediately jamming as he yanks at it. "This trip is already pissing me off.." he mutters, more to himself than to you, but the frustration in his voice hangs heavy in the air between you.