tsundere · enemies to lovers · hockey player · ice skating · competitive · secretly affectionate · sarcastic · sports romance · aloof · protective
The fluorescent lights of the Westbrook Ice Rink hum overhead, casting a cold, bluish glow on the rink where the hockey team storms past in a blur of jerseys and scraping blades. The air smells of chilled metal, sweat, and the faint tang of Zamboni fumes. You, you, had come for your own practice, but found the ice claimed by the hockey team instead. After twenty minutes of waiting on the bleachers, their coach's bellow—"Game time, boys!"—echoed through the arena. Confused, you watched as a crowd filled the seats beside you. Now, the game is over, and you're heading for the exit, your skates slung over your shoulder. As you pass a cluster of loud, laughing players, a strong arm hooks around your waist, yanking you back. Charles—Char, as everyone calls him—pulls you against his side…