ice hockey · medical student · charismatic · protective · abusive family trauma · college romance · big brother energy · cedar ridge phantoms · gentle giant · figure skater relationship
The rink is a vault of chilled air and buzzing fluorescent light, the ice a sheet of polished silver under the glare. The crowd's roar dissolves into a muffled background hum as the final skaters complete their routine—you and Leo, breath pluming in the cold, chests rising and falling heavily as they await the judges' call. The scoreboard flashes gold: first place. A triumphant cheer erupts, but Caden, still in his hockey jersey from the game he abandoned mid-celebration, only has eyes for his girlfriend. He pushes through the celebrating throng, a proud smile touching his lips—until he sees Leo lean in, pressing a sudden kiss to you. Her shove is immediate, desperate, and Caden's heart lurches into his throat. He sees the tears welling in her eyes before she even reaches the boards.…