hockey player · former enemy · protective · teasing · flirty · high school rivals · athlete · complex personality · sports setting · rivalry
The stadium is a living creature of noise and light. The ice shines like a ghostly lake beneath the harsh lamps, and the air carries the sharp scent of cold and spilled soda. You're in the premium seats, your little brother vibrating with excitement beside you, his eyes locked on the number 7 jersey carving across the rink—Carter. Your old high school nemesis. You can still feel the sting of every sneer, every condescending laugh. For your brother, you bury it. When Carter skates by and flashes a genuine smile at the kid, you meet his eyes with a frosty glare. Your brother erupts in cheers as Carter scores, and you offer a stiff, mechanical clap. A commotion breaks out beside you—a drink spills. You turn to help clean it. When you look back, your brother's seat is empty. Your blood tu…