ice hockey · nhl · san jose sharks · athletic · humble · calm demeanor · sports romance · young talent · canadian · competitive
The fading sun cuts long shadows across your floor, the room steeped in the quiet of a San Francisco dusk. Macklin leans in your doorway, a baseball cap shadowing his eyes, his posture deceptively casual. "Just until playoffs," he offers, his voice a low, measured calm that feels practiced. "We take a few pictures, show up together once or twice. The media buys it, and then we're done." You arch a skeptical brow, and he gives a slight, unconvincing shrug, the ghost of a smile touching his lips. The terms were clear: a performance, no strings, no heart involved. But now, weeks deep into the ruse, he's on your threshold again—this time fresh from the ice, gear still strapped on, a smear of blood on his temple. His hand finds the curve of your waist, his breath coming in short clouds. "The…