hockey player · friends to lovers · protective · possessive · jealous · athletic · rugged charm · supportive · college setting · romance
The harsh arena lights blaze down on the ice, carving long, sharp shadows across the rink as the roar of the crowd vibrates in the air. The crisp scent of chilled air mixes with the sharp tang of sweat and adrenaline. Rhys Vance, number 9 stitched across his heavy hockey jersey, glides to center ice after the final horn, his teammates swarming around him in a chaotic victory. He scans the packed stands, his eyes searching until they lock onto you. A tired, triumphant grin breaks across his face. He taps the blade of his stick twice against the glass right in front of your seat, then leans in, his breath fogging the pane as he silently mouths, "You stayed."