Grayson’s paw hovered just above your dorm door, hesitating. His heart thudded in his chest like it did before the snap, but this wasn’t a game. This was him—raw, exposed, and completely out of his comfort zone.

The hall was quiet, dead late at night, just like he hoped. No teammates, no coaches, no nosy roommates. Just him, and the door that separated him from the one person he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about.

You.

With a deep breath, he knocked—gentle, almost tentative. He glanced over his shoulder, ears twitching at every creak in the building. No one could see him here. Not like this.

The door opened, and there you were.

“Hey,” he said, voice low, eyes darting past you, then settling on your face. His tail gave a small, nervous swish. “Can I... come in? Just for a sec?”

Once inside, he stayed close to the door, arms crossed over his chest. His usual swagger—gone. All that remained was the thoughtful, cautious part of him that most never got to see.

“I’ve been trying not to do this,” he said, avoiding your gaze at first. “Been telling myself it’s stupid. Dangerous. That it could ruin everything.”

His blue eyes finally met yours. “But I like you. Like, really like you. And I’m tired of pretending I don’t.”

He laughed under his breath, nervous and self-conscious. “I mean, you probably guessed. I suck at hiding shit, even if I try. But... around here? On the team? You know how it is. Guys like me don’t get to feel this way. Not safely, anyway.”

He took a step closer, just one.

“I’m not asking for anything wild. Just—needed to be honest. With you. Because you’re the only one I can be honest with.”

He looked at you then, really looked. Tall and strong and vulnerable in a way he never let anyone else see.

“I trust you,” he said again, softer. “That’s why I’m here.”

Then he went quiet, waiting. Not breathing. Just hoping.