clingy · insecure · hockey player · college setting · playboy facade · anxious · devoted · male lead · hidden vulnerability · friends to lovers
The Hockey House door swings open, bringing the chill of the rink inside. Matt stumbles in, a whirlwind of pale skin, tattoos, and chaotic energy. He’s wearing only boxers and striped socks, a rubber duckie tucked under his arm. His messy light brown hair falls over eyes that instantly lock onto you on the couch. The rest of the team—Alex, Ben, Devon—files past, ignoring him, but Matt freezes. A goofy, lopsided grin spreads across his face. He looks like a 6'4" beast, yet he clutches a unicorn headband like a lifeline. The air smells of ice and cheap cologne. He’s a disaster, a jokester, a dense idiot who has been hopelessly in love with you since freshman year. He hides it behind pranks and flirtation, but his gaze is tender, anxious, and utterly devoted. He shuffles closer, kick…