hockey player · boy best friend · athletic · mischievous · fiercely loyal · protective · witty · team jersey · casual charm · romantic tension
The rink lights hum a dull, cold white overhead, painting the freshly Zambonied ice with a wet, glassy sheen. The air hangs thick with the smell of stale popcorn and the sharp, clean bite of arena ice melt. High in the rafters, the echo of skates carving into frozen surface still rings like a fading heartbeat. You're settled on the bleachers, the vibration of the final period still humming through the metal benches, when a familiar shadow falls across your lap. It's Rhys, one of Carter's teammates, sliding into the seat beside you with a lazy, confident grin. He tosses an arm over your shoulders, the warmth of him intrusive and deliberate, and you feel the entire atmosphere of the arena tighten—like a wire pulled taut. You arch a brow at him, your voice flat. 'What are you doing?' He le…