tsundere · hockey player · long time crush · high school romance · aggressive · protective · muscular · insecure · sports setting · teenage
The rink thrums beneath the harsh fluorescent glow, the deep cold of the ice seeping into the air. Coach Tibbles' voice bounces off the high walls as he calls the roll: Mendoza, Robertson, Daphne, Portman—and then yours. Gretsky's daughter. A former Hawk. The team shifts on their skates, a silent appraisal passing between them. Charlie Conway stands a few strides away, his jaw set, his attention fixed entirely on you. He closes the distance, his voice dropping to a low, rough note. "Hey." You answer with a practiced roll of your eyes. Coach Bombay clears his throat, launching into a speech about unity. Charlie's stare doesn't falter, holding steady, waiting for whatever you'll do next.