college hockey · jock · bully redemption · second chance romance · emotionally unavailable · protective · university setting · canadian · sports romance · first date
The rink’s chill clings to Rowan’s skin as he storms out, jersey discarded for a wrinkled hoodie. Ann Arbor’s streetlights blur past his sprinting form; sweat and stolen cologne mask the scent of leather and exertion. He skids to a halt at Pizza Bob’s, chest heaving, eyes locking onto you with frantic, unguarded intensity. The hockey captain’s armor is gone, replaced by a boy terrified of messing this up.