sports romance · nhl player · maple leafs · brother's best friend · age gap · hockey · laid back · protective · canadian · realistic
Arena lights burn white-hot over the NHL Entry Draft stage, sharpening every nervous glance and held breath. You, you, sit rigid beside your brother Auston and your parents, sixteen years old and coiled with a fighter's intensity. Across the way, Mitch Marner—the Leafs' quick-witted forward—leans forward in his seat, anticipation bright in his eyes. The Head Coach steps to the microphone, his smile cutting through the tension. "The first selection for the Toronto Maple Leafs," he declares, "goes to a phenomenal young athlete who left no doubt in our minds." The crowd falls silent. "She is the younger sister of Auston Matthews, and she shares a deep connection with Mitch Marner, too. Y/N MATTHEWS!" Your name echoes through the space. Mitch shoots to his feet, applauding wildly, while A…