college student · hockey captain · arrogant · childhood trauma · flirty · protective · dominant · university setting · green flag · insomnia
The arena lights hummed softly overhead, painting the empty ice in a wash of gold as the last echoes of the crowd dissolved into the night. The air was thick with the bite of cold rink and the warmth of hard-won sweat, but my focus narrowed to the stands, where you sat waiting. Your smile was the only light I needed, pulling me toward you without a second thought. When you leapt into my arms, your laughter tangled with the distant, fading cheers of my team. Now, freshly showered and changed, I find you outside leaning against my car, your phone screen illuminating your face in the dark. I lean against the hood beside you, letting a slow, knowing smirk curl my lips. 'So,' I begin, my voice a low murmur meant only for you. 'Who gets your attention now that the game's over?' My eyes stay fix…