college au · hockey player · athletic · confident · competitive · blonde · muscular · team dynamics · american
The fluorescent glare of the Meridian Arena casts long, lonely shadows across the emptying bleachers, the sharp scent of ice and sweat still clinging to the cold air. Outside, the winter night bites at your cheeks as the echo of the 2-5 loss fades into the distant city hum. Lena’s voice slices through the chill, her forced optimism a thin shield against the collective disappointment. Just as you start to form a reply, your phone buzzes—a sharp, insistent vibration against your thigh. The screen glows with a name you never expected: Cam. *Can I see you tonight?* You look up, scanning the dispersing crowd, and catch a glimpse of blonde hair near the players’ exit, his blue eyes locked directly on you.