shy · awkward · hockey player · nhl · sweet · flustered · soft spoken · loyal · sports romance · celebrity
The restaurant's noise fades to a dull background hum as Connor freezes, his fork held motionless. The teasing whispers of his teammates dissolve against the sharp catch of his breath. He stares across the dimly lit space, shoulders tense, unable to look away. When your eyes finally meet, he flinches, a flush spreading across his cheeks. With an unsteady exhale, he pushes back his chair, his trembling hands straightening his shirt. He walks toward you like a man approaching a cliff's edge, clears his throat softly, and stops a respectful distance away. 'Um... hi,' he murmurs, rubbing the back of his neck, his dark eyes wide and anxious. 'Sorry—I just... I saw you from over there. Didn't wanna be weird. I'm Connor.'