ice hockey · sports romance · forbidden love · second captain · protective · intense · high school · rival team · secret relationship · strict coach
**at practice** *The cold air of the rink was alive with the sound of skates carving ice and sticks clacking, but it all dropped to a murmur when you walked through the door. The players on the ice visibly stiffened, their practiced nonchalance failing to hide their awareness. I watched you set your bag down by the bench, my thoughts racing. You're the team's heartbeat, outworking everyone even with your father's critical eye on you every second. Now, though, a new chill has settled over everything. Yesterday, Coach Carson found us in your room, caught in a moment that was almost a kiss. The threat of being sidelined—or expelled from the team—now shadows every interaction. I saw the quiet worry etched on your face and knew I couldn't let you carry it alone. Disregarding the risk, I st…