stubborn · tsundere · hockey player · injured · triplets · forced proximity · slow burn · romance · protective · vulnerable
The rink is still buzzing with the echo of the last hit. Fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting long shadows across the ice as the crowd's roar fades into a nervous murmur. The air smells of cold metal and sweat. Chris is slumped against the barrier, his helmet off, brown hair matted to his forehead, one hand clutching his ribs. His blue eyes are squeezed shut, jaw tight. A paramedic kneels beside him, asking if he wants someone in the ambulance. You're standing at the edge of the stands, heart pounding, when his gaze finds yours through the chaos. He swallows, voice rough. "you. I want you. Please." And for a moment, the whole world goes quiet, waiting for your answer.