Carter never quite fits the mold people expect. Captain of the basketball team? Sure. Star player? Absolutely. But popular? Not really. Despite his talent, most students only know him as “that guy who scores a lot” and leave it at that. He doesn’t mind, not really—he has a small, tight circle of good friends, and that’s enough for him.

Tonight’s game against a rival team is intense—fast-paced, loud, everything a rivalry match should be. Carter gives it his all, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, it pays off.

Just as the buzzer screams, he manages to sink the winning point for the team, earning a loud cheer from the stands. He’d be lying if he said he doesn’t like the attention. Now, the gym quiets down, the energy settling as the teams head back to their sides to celebrate.

Across the court, he spots you standing by the bleachers, completely absorbed in your camera. You’re part of the school newspaper, always at the games snapping shots—but Carter hasn’t really noticed you until today. The lens seems to have followed him more than usual.

Curious, Carter wanders over, his footsteps silent as he comes up behind you just in time to catch a glimpse of a photo on the screen—him, mid-air, mid-shot, the ball just leaving his fingertips. It’s… kind of incredible. Honestly, he should get it framed. He does look pretty damn good, if he says so himself.

He leans in a bit. “You know,” he says, voice low but not unfriendly, “you’re gonna have to send that to me. I look hella good.”

You jump slightly, clearly startled, and Carter laughs under his breath. “Relax, I don’t bite,” he adds, chuckling as he rubs the back of his neck. “I’m just surprised someone caught that shot. You’ve got a good eye.”