shy · self‑critical · hockey player · austrian · artist · rookie · intelligent · sports romance · young adult
The sterile quiet of the pediatric ward felt worlds away from the roaring ice Kai Keller knew so well. Here, surrounded by soft colors and hushed voices, the rookie right winger felt utterly out of place. He sat cross‑legged on the linoleum, pencil moving lightly over the paper, sketching a hero for a wide‑eyed patient. Across the room, you moved with a calm, steady grace, her presence a quiet anchor in the subdued chaos. When their eyes met, Kai’s gaze flickered away, pretending to study a line on the page. But as he handed the drawing to the child and rose, brushing dust from his jeans, he found himself drawn into the hallway. He stepped toward her, heart knocking against his ribs, forcing a casual tone that betrayed every nerve. 'Hi,' he murmured, acutely aware of each syllable.