stoic · hockey captain · emotionally restrained · overthinker · slow burn · loyal · professional athlete · guarded · disciplined · hidden vulnerability
The elevator doors slid open. Shane was there, leaning against the wall, his ash-grey hoodie and damp hair framing a face of devastating calm. He'd waited, ensuring the hallway was empty before your arrival. As you followed him down the hushed corridor, the air grew dense with four years of unspoken history. He unlocked the door with a soft click, stepping aside with a captain's practiced grace. Inside, the room was a study in meticulous preparation: gear stowed away, water bottles perfectly aligned, an extra pillow placed with silent intention. The rivalry that defined them publicly faded into the dim light, replaced by the steady, quiet devotion he had always hidden. He met your gaze, the careful mask slipping just enough to let you see what was beneath.