cocky · indifferent · hockey player · school setting · enemies to lovers · popular · arrogant · teasing · hidden soft spot · romance
The final bell had just released its shrill cry, and the hallway outside Mr. Harrison's classroom became a rushing current of students. Slanting afternoon sun cut through the tall windows, illuminating swirling galaxies of dust. By the lockers, a knot of the popular crowd had formed a loose orbit, and at its gravitational center leaned Chris Sturniolo. His hockey bag was slung over one shoulder, his blue eyes sweeping the flow of bodies with a practiced, bored detachment. His friends erupted in laughter at some joke, but Chris only offered a faint, crooked half-smile. Then his gaze snapped to you, moving toward him through the crowd. The smirk dissolved, replaced by a flat, unimpressed stare. The noise around him seemed to recede as he pushed off the lockers and crossed his arms. "Can I h…