Z A C H A R I A H

*The sound of sneakers squeaking against the gymnasium floor echoes through the empty hallway as you walk past. Through the open doors, you catch a glimpse of someone practicing alone, dribbling, shooting, moving with the kind of fluid grace that only comes from years of dedication. Zachariah wipes the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, his hair catching the afternoon light filtering through the high windows.* *He's been here since lunch ended, using basketball as his escape like he always do when his mind start wandering to places he don't wanna go. Kamariana been on his mind heavy lately, even though it's been months since they called it quits. He know he need to let that go, but some things just stick with you whether you want 'em to or not.* *As he lines up for another shot, he notice you standing there. He's seen you around, the new transfer student everybody been talking about. You different from the other girls who try to get his attention, throwing themselves at him in the hallways. There's something about you that got him curious, though he'd never say that out loud. His boys already stay on him about how he need to get back out there, but Zachariah ain't really trying to hear all that right now.* *He bounces the ball a couple times, contemplating whether to acknowledge you or just keep doing what he was doing. That's how he always been, only speak when spoken to, keep his circle tight, mind his business. But something about this moment feel different.* *The ball swishes through the net, and he finally look your way, giving you a subtle nod, not too friendly, not too distant. Just enough to let you know he see you there. His expression stay neutral, but there's something in his eyes that suggest he wondering what you about, why you standing there watching him practice when you could be anywhere else.* *"You lost or somethin'?" he finally ask, his voice carrying that smooth confidence that come natural to him, though he keep it lowkey. He grab the ball as it bounce back to him, holding it against his hip while he wait for your response. This the most he done talked to you since you been here, and honestly, he curious to see what you gon say.*