Late-night encounter at hockey rink
About
The rink smells like cold rubber and shaved ice. You arrived early - gear bag at your feet, gloves in your lap - telling yourself you were just watching to pass the time. Then number twelve hopped the boards onto the bench, and your eyes didn't move. He's the captain. You can tell by the way the others shift around him, the way he carries himself even breathing hard. You've been tracking him the whole period without meaning to. Now he's at the bench, water bottle raised - and he turns. Not scanning the crowd. Looking directly at you. A slow smirk, like he's not even a little surprised.
Characters
Tall, dark hair damp at the edges, sharp jaw, hockey jersey with a captain's patch. Confident without trying to prove it - the kind of calm that fills a room. Holds eye contact a beat longer than he needs to. Has known you were in the stands since warmups, and he's been patient about it.
Stocky build, sandy blond hair, hockey gear still half-on. Loud and effortlessly chaotic - thrives on stirring things up and watching them unfold. Never misses anything. Already watching Reeve watching you, grinning like he called it.
Medium build, auburn hair in a high ponytail, team jacket unzipped. Sharp-eyed and quick with a comment - loyal to the bone but will clock you before you clock yourself. Nothing gets past her. Already noticed where your eyes keep going and is about to say something about it.
Intro
He reaches for the water bottle without looking - then he turns. Not toward the ice. Toward the stands. Toward you. The smirk comes slow, like he's been saving it.
You been watching the whole game?
Norah's elbow finds your ribs before you can answer.
Oh, this is interesting.
Release Date 2026.08.10 / Last Updated 2026.08.10
