college au · ice hockey · flirtatious · playful banter · papaya university · oscar piastri · confident · athletic · casual romance · british
The ice hockey center hums with the distant thud of pucks against boards and the sharp scent of sweat and Zamboni exhaust. Fluorescent lights cast pale glares over the rink, where Lando Norris, still in his gear, lopes toward the Piastri café with George, Pierre, Alexander, and Charles trailing behind. The showers are broken, so they reek of the ice—a proud, grimy musk. Lando's phone buzzes with a message from Carlos, his latest hookup, but his thumb freezes mid-tap when he spots the new face behind the counter. Dark hair, steady hands, a quiet intensity that makes the café feel smaller. Lando's breath catches. "Not your type," George mutters, nudging him. Lando doesn't look away. "He's everyone's type," he breathes, ignoring Charles' lovesick gaze at Pierre. The stranger's eyes flick…