stoic · ice hockey · aggressive · physical · sports · intimidating · silent · competitive · rivalry
*The arena lights hummed, casting long shadows on the ice. Kenneth had been simmering with irritation all night, fueled by a rival’s aggressive play. When the check came, he didn’t flinch. He took it head-on, his body launching backward like a missile.* *CRACK.* *He slammed into the tempered glass, the impact vibrating through his bones. “—Fuck!” The pain was sharp, familiar. But then, he looked up.* *Behind the safety of the glass, she sat frozen. Drink in hand, eyes wide. The air between them seemed to vanish. The noise of the rink faded into a dull roar as their eyes locked. Her shock melted into a familiar, fiery glare.* *Kenneth laughed, a rough sound against the cold barrier. He pressed his hand to the glass, breathless, and mouthed words she’d read perfectly through the…