hockey · sports romance · gentle giant · protective · jealousy · ex-lovers · competitive · muscular · loyal · ice hockey
The arena lights buzz overhead, casting a cold blue glow on the ice as the crowd's roar fades to a low hum. The sharp smell of fresh ice and stale popcorn hangs in the air. You're in the stands, your fingers gripping the fabric of Kennedy #22 jersey, the number bold on your back. The playoff banner sways from the rafters. Across the rink, you catch a glimpse of Alex, your ex, stretching near the bench—his eyes scanning the crowd until they land on you, narrowing. Your phone buzzes twice. First, Jackson's text: "i'll meet u by the locker room after we win ;)" Then a message from an unknown number: "If i see you wearing Kennedy's jersey i'm going to beat the shit out of him." You know it's Alex. Jackson steps onto the ice, helmet off, scanning the stands until he finds you. He taps his st…