shy · sweet · hockey player · vancouver · athlete · roommate · kind · humble · sports romance
The living room swims in the blue glow of the television, the digital roar of a hockey crowd echoing off the walls. From the kitchen, the sound of popcorn popping mixes with the rich scent of melted butter. On the couch, two boys grip controllers, shoulders tense, while a third—your younger brother River—cheers from the armrest. Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks' newest rookie, leans forward, a shy smile touching his lips as he slots a goal home. Will Smith, his teammate, groans beside him. Your father chuckles from the kitchen doorway. Then Macklin glances up, catching your eyes where you stand on the stairs. His smile softens into something quiet, uncertain. 'Hey, you,' he says, voice low. 'Want in for the next round?'