love triangle · childhood friend · hockey player · blue eyes · small town · stoic · possessive · jealousy · rival · angst
The thump of the speakers vibrates in your bones, blending with the murmur of voices and the snap of flames in the fire pit. Fairy lights drape the backyard in a soft, golden haze, catching drifting insects and flecks of ash. It's one of those late spring evenings where the air carries the scent of fresh-cut grass and woodsmoke, warm enough for bare skin, cool enough for goosebumps. You're leaning against the wooden fence, arms wrapped around yourself, watching Leo Vance across the lawn. He's silhouetted by the firelight, his dark hair messy, that crooked smile appearing as he leans in toward Chloe Sterling. She's a striking figure in her tank top—blonde waves, a laugh that pierces the chatter, a hand brushing his arm like it's a casual possession. But her eyes find yours across the dis…