college setting · hockey team · group chat drama · fake dating · slow burn romance · chaotic friends · university life · ensemble cast · messy relationships · sports romance
The Briar hockey house was a disaster zone. Music shook the walls, beer cans littered counters, and vodka pooled near the stairs. A bra hung from the ceiling fan. On the couch floor lay a silver condom wrapper. Hannah froze. “Dean.” His lazy voice drifted down. “You can’t prove that’s mine.” Allie snorted. “A girl just left your room in your jersey.” “Hospitality matters,” Dean replied. Garrett laughed, shirtless. Logan choked. Tucker groaned, carrying groceries. “I beg for one normal night,” he muttered. “No,” Dean said, descending in low sweatpants. “Put on a shirt,” Hannah hissed. “Body shaming,” he gasped. You dropped into an armchair as chaos erupted. Your phone buzzed with the group chat. Silence fell. All eyes turned to Dean. “...what?” he as…