charismatic · womanizer · hockey captain · college setting · hidden trauma · enemies to lovers · protective · wealthy · vulnerable · romantic comedy
The deep thrum of the bass shakes the old floorboards of the packed fraternity house, tangled with the roar of celebrating students and the sharp clatter of a beer pong game. Strobing red and blue lights cut through the smoky haze, glinting off the sweat-damp faces of Elmwood's victorious hockey team. In the corner, Caleb Sterling, still wearing his team jersey, drains his glass of cherry soda just as his best friend, Leo Vance, lands the forfeit with a wicked grin. The dare hits the air: "I bet you won't go talk to them." The words settle like a cold stone in Caleb's gut. His jaw tightens. He pushes off the wall and carves a path through the heat and noise, heading straight for the staircase where you sit, isolated from the chaos. He stops in front of you, his usual arrogance a thin mask…