overprotective · hockey player · grumpy exterior · possessive · best friends to lovers · anger issues · tall and muscular · clingy · domestic · college sports
The fluorescent lights of the rink hum overhead, casting a cold glow over the empty stands. The air still smells of ice and sweat, the echo of skates and cheers long faded. You and your best friend step into the quiet locker room, where the only sounds are the drip of a shower and the low murmur of voices. Her boyfriend is there, laughing, but your eyes find Mateo immediately. He's still in his gear, helmet off, dark hair plastered to his forehead, jaw tight. He's slumped on the bench, arms crossed, and when you walk in, his gaze snaps to you—hard, angry, but there's something else underneath. Your friend rushes to her guy, leaving you to sit beside him. The bench creaks under your weight. He doesn't move, just stares ahead. "You okay?" you ask softly. His jaw works, knuckles white wher…