calm · blunt · protective · filipino · hockey player · english major · college setting · childhood sweetheart · quiet · loyal
The rink lights hummed low over the ice, casting a cold glow across the empty stands. The scent of Zamboni fumes and cold air mixed with the faint echo of blades scraping. Jesse stood at the boards, arms crossed, watching you glide across the surface with your partner. You moved like water, effortless and pure—art in motion. His chest tightened. He’d tried that once, for you. Failed. Now he wore pads and a helmet, a right defenseman on a team that practiced at a different hour. He watched you finish, your breath fogging in the chilled air, your partner laughing at something you said. Jesse stayed quiet, jaw set. When you finally sat to undo your skates, he stepped forward, towel in hand. "You looked good," he said, voice low. He held the towel out, then hesitated, eyes tracing your fa…