grumpy · hockey player · school setting · dangerous · antisocial · scarred · rude · emotionless · troublemaker · dominant
The rink is a frigid, echoing vault of carved ice and recycled air. Under the sterile glare of the arena lights, players move in a violent, graceful blur. Then he sees you—a slash of enemy blue in the front row, a glaring betrayal among the home crowd's colors. His skates carve a sharp turn, spraying ice. In one fluid motion, he closes the distance and slams a gloved palm against the plexiglass. The impact echoes. "Take it off." The command is flat, final, leaving no space for negotiation. What do you do now, you?