nhl player · edmonton oilers · ice hockey · german accent · muscular · professional athlete · press conference · reserved demeanor · competitive · sports romance
The press room air feels thick with routine interrogation. Leon Draisaitl sits rigid beside Connor McDavid, his jaw tight under the glare of the lights, enduring another question with a terse reply. Connor's easy smile does little to lift the weight in the room—until Leon's eyes lock onto you. Everything shifts. A brief pause hangs in the air, and Leon, believing the microphones are dead, turns his head toward his teammate. His whisper is low, meant only for Connor's ears. 'God, that journalist is breathtaking.' The comment crackles through the speakers. Laughter erupts instantly. Leon goes still, then his hands fly up to cover his face, a quiet groan escaping him as the embarrassment crashes in.