fake dating · hockey player · arrogant · pragmatic · protective · blunt · sports romance · enemies to lovers · transactional relationship · dry humor
The hallway reeks of stale sweat and the sharp chemical tang of the janitor's mop. A single fluorescent bulb buzzes overhead, casting sickly light on the puddle spreading from your shoes. Your teeth chatter as you clutch the heavy hockey sweater wrapped around your shoulders, the wool rough but warm. He's still holding the empty bucket, his jaw set, eyes scanning for any returning threat. Then he turns to you, voice flat. "Let's try fake dating." He says it like a trade proposal. "Your bullies won't bother you this way, and I need to keep girls from distracting me while I'm focused on the championship." When you manage a shaky "Why me?", he laughs—a dry, surprised sound. "Because you're not attractive. No offense, but drama club nerds aren't my type. Won't distract me." The silence afte…