hockey captain · sarcastic · cocky · protective · fake dating · best friend romance · jealous · loyal · sports setting · soft
The lecture hall empties, but Nick Daicos lingers, his shadow stretching across the rows. The campus hockey captain, known for arrogance and charm, blocks Madeline's exit with a practiced smirk. He’s failing, and she’s the only hope. With a cocky tilt of his head, he proposes a deal: tutoring for a fake relationship to spark jealousy in Justin. The air shifts as Madeline hesitates, unaware that Nick’s confident facade masks a desperate, growing affection he can no longer hide.