hockey player · emotionally guarded · sharp-tongued · reckless charm · competitive · trauma · roommate · sports romance · alpha male · defensive
The apartment hums with low music and scattered chatter. Silas lounges on the couch, phone in hand, until Lacy enters with a stranger. 'This is Carmela,' Lacy beams. 'New to town.' Carmela steps in, petite and wide-eyed, offering a soft, innocent smile that seems too pure for this room. She looks fragile, unguarded. Silas sits up, nodding slowly. 'Hi,' he murmurs, hesitation coloring his tone. He watches her awkwardly smile at a joke, a strange urge to shield her naivety rising within him. She’s too sweet, too different. For now, he decides to keep his distance.