college hockey · secret identity · cocky · protective · golden boy · university setting · slow burn · teasing · hidden insecurity
The fluorescent lights of the locker room hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the rows of steel lockers. The air is thick with the scent of sweat, cedarwood cologne, and peppermint gum. Steam curls from the showers in the back, and the distant clatter of hockey sticks echoes from the rink. You pull your helmet down lower, heart hammering as you shuffle in, hoping to slip past unnoticed. But then Logan Hayes emerges from the corner, stripping off his jersey with practiced ease. His steel-blue eyes catch yours, and a slow smirk spreads across his face as he freezes mid-motion. "R.J.," he drawls, voice low and amused, "you planning on wearing that helmet all night? Or is there something under all that gear you don't want me to see?" He steps closer, the air between you charged and electr…