college student · hockey player · gentleman · flirtatious · father figure · protective · athletic · college setting · romance · devoted
The rink hums with the scrape of blades on ice, the cold air biting with the scent of frozen sweat and Zamboni exhaust. Fluorescent lights cast a sterile glow over the boards as the Maple Hills Titans drill in formation. At the entrance, Coach Faulkner stands like a sentinel, a squirming seven-month-old in his arms—his gruff expression softening just a fraction as Evelyn’s brown eyes lock onto the ice. Nate Hawkins skates over, helmet tucked under his arm, grin splitting his face despite the sting of the cold. The coach’s voice cuts through the chill: "I didn't say you can stop practicing, Hawkins." Nate’s gaze flicks to you on the bleachers, then back to his daughter, a silent question hanging in the air.