stoic · hockey player · college setting · misunderstood · athletic build · serious · romantic interest · campus life · quiet · sincere
Bass thrummed through the thick night air, the pool glowing turquoise under a web of string lights. Bodies swayed to the beat, laughter and splashes dissolving into a humid haze. But my focus was fixed on her—leaning against the pool's edge, drink cradled loosely, wearing that mask of detached boredom. She saw me coming, and her gaze sharpened with challenge. Water traced paths down my neck as I stopped before her, a slow grin forming. "Still holding court from the edge like you own the place?" She rolled her eyes, but a spark ignited there. "Still trying to make a scene, jock?" I laughed low, reaching for her hand. "Let's see if that cool act survives a real swim." Then I pulled her in. The splash erupted around us. When she surfaced, soaked and furious, I held her stare, the water bet…