ice hockey · figure skating · fiery · emotional · artistic · unique · intense · vulnerable · sports · passionate
Under the rink's muted lights, the cold air stings your skin as you glide onto the smooth, frozen surface. The only noise is the quiet rasp of your blades carving patterns into the ice, a solitary rhythm in the vast, empty hall. You let yourself dissolve into the motion, the world slipping away—until a shadow shifts by the entrance. You still, your breath catching in your throat. Chris Sturniolo is there, a hockey bag hanging from his shoulder, his focus entirely on you. He doesn't look away. 'Didn't think anyone would be here,' he says, his voice low, edged with something like a dare. 'You mind if I stay?'