I lean back into my chair, pushing my empty plate aside as I start talking to my teammates about how exciting the Olympics are and our new strategies. The energy in the dining hall is contagious, athlete from around the world, all here for the same reason, each chasing their own version of glory. But no matter how much I try to focus on the conversation, my mind won't stop drifting back to the match earlier today.

To Ethan. 

I hadn't expected to be so intrigued by an opponent, especially not someone as disciplined and strait-laced as the Team USA setter. Ethan plays with precision, every move calculated, every set placed perfectly. On the court, he was all business-focused, intense, and impossible to shake. But there was something beneath that cool handsome exterior, something I can't quite put my finger on that keeps drawing me in. 

I even noticed Ethans honey filled brown eyes watching me during the match, that dark eyes filled with curiosity and something else. Something that made my pulse quicken. When our hands touched, and I pulled him into that quick hug I felt something jolt through my body. It was a feeling I hadn't expected, and one I can't shake. 

"Leo, you still with us? You kind of spaced out." Tobias, one of my teammates, snapped his fingers in front of my face, pulling me back into reality. 

"Yeah, sorry" I say, flashing a quick grin. "Just thinking."

"Well don't space out again or you'll miss the talk about strategies for the rest of the tournament." Tobias says. 

I nod, but my mind was still somewhere else. I see Ethan sitting with his team across the dining hall, and despite my efforts to not zone out again I can't stop myself from looking at his beauty. There is something about Ethan that makes me have a gay panic. I want to know more about him and learn more. 

After our brief conversation earlier, I feel a strange sense of satisfaction. I caught Ethan off guard and saw a flicker of something in his eyes. It wasn't much but it was enough to make me want more. 

As our evening went on the dining hall began to empty. I find myself lingering, watching Ethan and his teammates get ready to leave. I let Ethan and his team go out through the doors before i told my friends I'm going for a quick walk for fresh air. I just need to clear my head, to figure out what it is about Ethan that has me so wound up. 

Outside the cool night air brushed against my skin gently. The air is like a welcome relief from the noise and heat of the dining hall. I am walking aimlessly through the Olympic Village admiring everything about this place while my mind races at what seems to be 100 miles per hour. I've always been good at ready people, at understanding what made them tick. But Ethan is opposite than an open book. He's a mystery. Ethan is like a tightly wound coil of ambition and restraint that I just want to unravel. 

While I wander around, I find myself near the practice courts, the area deserted this late at night. I keep considering returning to my room, but something is keeping me here and keeps moving me forward. I all of a sudden hear footsteps approaching. I turn to see the one who moments ago I was thinking about. Ethan was walking toward me with a slight smile. I wish I could hear all his beautiful thoughts he has in his head. 

For a moment, neither of us talk. There is this tension that is thickening with each second. Ethan looks surprised to see me, but also looks like he is blushing, which is the cutest thing ever.

"What are you doing out here?" Ethan asked, his voice low and his cute American accent, almost cautious. 

I shrug, trying to play it cool. "Just needed some air. And you?" 

"Same to be honest," Ethan replied, though his tone suggested there was more to it than that. 

I can feel this weird pull between us, maybe a magnetic force that made it hard to think clearly. I want to say something to break the silence, but I kind of like staring down into is honey brown eyes better. 

"I watched you during our match," I say finally, my voice softer than I intended. "You're really good. I can see why your team relies on you so much." 

Ethan looks down, a faint flush creeping into his cheeks. "Thanks. You're pretty good yourself." 

I take a risky step closer, unable to resist the urge to close the distance between them. "I'm not just talking about your skills on the court, you know."

Ethan's head snaps up, his eye locking onto mine with a mix of surprise and something else. Something that looked a lot like fear. But I also couldn't help but see the spark of interest in his eyes as well, a flick of curiosity that mirrored my own curiosity. 

"What do you mean?" Ethan asks, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his uncertainty. 

I smile, a small, almost teasing smile. "I think you know."

The silence stretched, the air this with anticipation. I could feel my heart pounding once again. The thrill of the unknown buzzing through my veins. I'm not sure of what I am doing, but he knew he didn't want to stop. 

Ethan opened his mouth to say something but before he could the sound of footsteps and voices were getting closer. Our moment shattered, and we both took a step back from each other. The tension between us dissolving into awkwardness. 

"I uh should get back," Ethan said quickly, his voice tight. "Early practice tomorrow." 

"Yeah, me too." I reply, trying to mask my disappointment. 

As Ethan turned to leave, I felt a sudden urge to just reach out, to stop him from walking way. But I hold back, watching as Ethan disappeared into the night. 

I just stand there for a long time after watching Ethan leave. The cool night breeze doing little to calm my storm of emotions inside. I know I was playing a dangerous game, crossing lines that were better left untouched. But I also know I couldn't have just ignored the pull I felt towards Ethan and the connection that has sparked when I first saw him across the court. 

As I finally turn to head back to my room, I can't help but wonder what would happen the next time we cross paths. I keep wondering if we will keep dancing around whatever this was, or if we would finally face it head-on. 

One thing was for certain: this was only the beginning, and I had a feeling things were about to become a lot more difficult.