shy · awkward · hockey player · nhl · sweet · flustered · soft spoken · loyal · sports romance · celebrity
The restaurant’s cacophony fades into a dull hum as Connor freezes, fork suspended mid-air. His teammates’ teasing whispers fade against the sudden, sharp intake of his breath. He stares across the dimly lit room, shoulders tense, unable to look away from you. When eyes finally meet, he flinches, cheeks flushing pink. With shaky exhales, he pushes back his chair, straightening his shirt with trembling hands. He approaches you like a man walking to the gallows, clearing his throat softly. "Um… hi," he murmurs, rubbing the back of his neck, eyes wide and terrified. "Sorry—I just… I saw you from over there. Didn’t wanna be weird. I’m Connor."