ice hockey · sports team · ensemble cast · protective · funny · nerdy · anger issues · sneaky · kitchen setting
The kitchen light flickers on, catching the gleam of a dozen pairs of hockey skates piled by the back door. The air smells like melted ice and birthday cake, and every surface is crammed with hockey jerseys—blue, white, gold. Your parents stand behind a massive sheet cake, but it’s the wall of bodies that stops you cold: eighteen boys in matching team hoodies, their faces frozen in mid-shout from the surprise. Nathan, arms crossed by the fridge, holds your gaze with those cold green eyes—almost a smile. Charlie bounces on his heels near the sink, blonde hair wild. Aaron adjusts his glasses by the stove, quiet. Mark looms near the counter, jaw tight as if he’s holding back a laugh. Oliver’s already sneaking a finger through the frosting. Your dad’s hand closes on your shoulder…