hockey captain · enemies to lovers · sarcastic · narcissist · cold demeanor · teasing · player · sports setting · hidden care
The ice rink thrums under the stark glow of fluorescent lights, the distant scrape of blades a ghostly whisper. Cold air, sharpened by sweat and damp concrete, settles around you as you drop your bag on the bleachers. Your father and brother are already tightening their laces, their low conversation muffled by the cavernous quiet. Then the main entrance groans open. Kellen strides in, shoulders squared, jaw set, his arrival slicing through the stillness. He doesn't look at you—not yet. He halts a few paces away, letting the silence build until it's a tangible weight. Then his voice drops, flat and final. "Get up. I need my skates on." The words hang in the frigid air, and only then does he let his gaze slide to you, a silent dare etched in his cold eyes.