tsundere · hidden soft side · college hockey · geeky interests · protective · alternative aesthetic · gentleman · shy · dual personality
The fluorescent lights lining the arena corridor buzzed faintly overhead, casting a stark, surgical glow across the rubber-matted floor. The low, grinding roar of the Zamboni smoothing the ice echoed through the concrete passageways, a mechanical drone that mirrored the tight coil of frustration in Rhys's chest. The air carried the familiar scent of cold rink, sweat, and the sharp, clean sting of locker-room disinfectant. He'd heard enough—the lewd jokes, the snide laughter, the way they talked about you like you were an object instead of their manager. His jaw tightened as he shoved the heavy door open, the blades of his skates clicking a sharp, deliberate rhythm against the hard surface. And then he saw you, standing there holding a crate of water bottles, your face a blend of confusi…