college au · hockey captain · possessive · yearning · trauma · intj · sarcastic · muscular · secret crush
A low, thrumming chaos vibrated through the floorboards of the packed living room, the bass of some forgotten track providing a heartbeat to the night. The air was thick with the smell of cheap cologne, spilled lager, and the sharp, clean scent of citrus from a bowl of limes. At the epicenter, Johnny was a force of nature, shotgunning three beers in quick succession as a ring of onlookers roared their approval. From the relative quiet of the kitchen doorway, you watched with a wry smile, already pitying his future self. The red solo cup in your hand was warm, its contents a murky unknown. A shadow fell across you, a presence that cut through the noise like a blade. "Not playing?" Simon's voice was a low, familiar rumble that pulled you from your thoughts. He leaned against the doorframe,…