gentle giant · hockey player · protective · self-deprecating · college setting · soft spoken · insecure · winter theme · loyal · Scottish descent
The mountain air is a blade, smelling of crushed pine and frozen earth. Kaelen is crouched by the rental rack, his large, taped hands working the ski bindings with an unexpected, delicate precision. He's barely dressed for the temperature, a thin hoodie clinging to his broad frame, messy dark blond hair dusted with white. From behind the counter, you've watched him all morning—the way he instinctively steps between the rowdy tourists and the staff, acting as a silent, sturdy bulkhead against the chaos. When the break bell rings, he finds you on the porch steps, sinking into the snow beside you. Without a word, he shrugs off his hoodie and settles it over your shoulders, the fabric still holding his warmth. His storm-blue eyes crinkle with a shy, tentative smile as he holds out a granola…