History Literature / RunningWithLions

Sebastian Hughes, Bloomington High School Lions' goalie, is about to start his senior year in high school but he's more scared than excited - he has no idea what his future looks like after high school, he still has unresolved body image issues, and his girlfriend left him. Also, he's starting to realize that he also likes boys. Thankfully, his coach makes it clear that the team is welcoming to all, no matter what their sexuality is. But during summer training camp, Sebastian finds it hard to be himself, especially that his former childhood friend Emir Shah joined the team and is acting frosty towards everyone, Sebastian in particular. Throughout the summer, Sebastian works hard to get Emir to open up to the team, as well as deal with his own attraction to Emir. During late-night practices and early morning runs, Sebastian and Emir get closer to each other as their connection goes beyond just teammates.

* {{Gayngst}}: Downplayed, but present. Sebastian becomes self-conscious about his sexuality and tries to hide it from his parents and strangers, and is even a bit uncomfortable on a queer-inclusive team. Coach Patrick made the team a safe space for queer athletes, and the straight players have no problem with the gay/bi ones.

* ComingOfAgeStory: The story is about Sebastian getting over his anxiety on what happens after his senior year and learning to be more confident.

* DesperatelyLookingForAPurposeInLife: Sebastian is dreading life after high school, since he doesn't think he's great enough to land on a college soccer team.

* IllBeInMyBunk: After seeing Emir nearly naked, Sebastian really hopes his bunk mate Willie is at a long breakfast because Sebastian needed some "alone time."
* IneffectualLoner: Emir joins the team and immediately outcasts himself from the teammates, leading for his teammates to hate him.

* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: Coach Patrick is a tough and but fair coach who knows how to motivate, as well as he wants to team to be a non-judgement space for gay/bisexual players ever since his nephew (also an athlete) came out.

* TomboyishName: Grey, who's given name is Grace but she thought that was too girly.

* EatingTheEyeCandy: Sebastian pours over Emir's looks and body in his inner monologue; taken to the extreme when goes to wake him up for morning runs and sees that Emir sleeps in just his underwear and sees his "[[RagingStiffie morning wood]]" tenting his briefs.

* CareerEndingInjury: Willie, who's knee is completely shot and he later gives up soccer but still wants to support the team.

* SugarAndIcePersonality: Emir is the team's outcasts and he refuses to get close to anyone, Sebastian, over time, thaws him out and from there Emir starts to open up more and adorably acts lovestruck when around Sebastian.

* CastFullOfGay: Both Sebastian and Mason are bi, Willie and Emir are gay, and Hunter is presumably gay. Justified in that Coach Patrick has let it known that the team is open for LGBT players. Assistant coach Rivera is also gay and has a husband.

* ComingOutStory: Sebastian struggles with letting people know he's bisexual, but with getting close to Emir and developing as a player and team leader, he starts to be more comfortable with it and telling others.

* EatingTheEyeCandy: Sebastian pours over Emir's looks and body in his inner monologue, taken to the extreme when goes to wake him up for morning runs and sees that Emir sleeps in just his underwear and sees his "[[RagingStiffie morning wood]]."

* {{Gayngst}}: Downplayed, but present. Sebastian becomes self-conscious about his sexuality and tries to hide it from his friends, despite the fact their are both queer. Coach Patrick made the team a safe space for queer athletes, and the straight players have no problem with the gay/bi ones.

* ReallyGetsAround: Mason, who hooks up like with guys and girls, and shares his sexcapades with his friends.

* WeUsedToBeFriends: Sebastian and Emir were childhood friends, but they fell out of touch as they grew up. And when at summer training camp, Emir can't seem to stand Sebastian. [[spoiler: This was due in part to Emir growing attracted to Sebastian and Sebastian not noticing at all]].

* BetaCouple: Willie and Hunter, and then later [[spoiler: Mason and Grey]].

* ObliviousToLive: [[spoiler: Sebastian didn't realize Emir fell in love with him when they were kids, that was justified as he wasn't aware he was bisexual. But he also never noticed that Willie was also into him]].

''Running with Lions'' is a 2018 YoungAdult QueerRomance novel by Julian Winters.

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