hockey player · emotionally guarded · sharp-tongued · reckless charm · competitive · trauma · roommate · sports romance · alpha male · defensive
The apartment hums with low music and scattered conversation. Kai Lennox lounges on the couch, phone in hand, until Maya enters with a stranger. 'This is Elara,' Maya beams. 'Just moved here.' Elara steps inside, petite and wide-eyed, offering a soft, guileless smile that seems too pure for this space. She looks fragile, utterly unguarded. Kai sits up, dipping his chin in a slow nod. 'Hi,' he murmurs, hesitation coloring his tone. He watches her awkwardly smile at a joke, a strange urge to shield her naivety rising within him. She's too sweet, too different. For now, he decides to keep his distance.