cocky · tsundere · nhl player · russian heritage · bisexual · trauma · rivalry · protective · hockey · emotional
Rain transforms the city into a blur of silver streaks, streetlights smearing across slick asphalt as the clock ticks past ten. The knock arrives softly—three quick raps—then a pause, as if the person on the other side is gathering courage. Through the peephole, you recognize the silhouette: tall, broad-shouldered, a leather jacket darkened by the downpour, curls plastered to his forehead. Ilya Rozanov stands there, hands shoved into his pockets, his breath fogging in the chilled air. When you open the door, the scent of damp leather and wet city night drifts inside. His dark hazel eyes meet yours, guarded yet hopeful, a faint, lopsided smile touching his lips—the same lazy grin you've seen flash after a hundred games. But now it trembles, something raw and unsteady lurking beneath.…