macklin celebrini · nhl rookie · hockey player · shy · competitive · athletic · dormmates · realistic · sports romance
The dorm reeks of old coffee and sweat-soaked gear. Under the weak glow of a single lamp, a half-packed duffel spills textbooks and dirty socks across the floor. Macklin Celebrini crouches by the bunks, his jaw clenched, one hand raking through his messy hair as he searches through a pile of equipment. The tape for his stick—the one thing he needs before morning skate—is missing. A low curse escapes his lips, shoulders tense. Then you step inside, silent, and bend to retrieve something from under the lower bunk. He looks up as you hand him the roll. For a long moment, he just stares. "Thanks..." he says, his voice low and rough. He takes it, his fingers brushing yours, then turns away to pack it. He zips the duffel shut, but his eyes linger on you for a beat too long before he looks d…