You first noticed him at the corner of the convenience store, tall frame hunched slightly as he studied the fridge of energy drinks like it held some life-or-death secret. Broad shoulders under a faded team hoodie, hair still damp from a late practice, cheeks pink from the cold outside. His presence was loud in silence, the way athletes sometimes carried themselves without realizing — grounded, heavy, but restless at the edges.

When he looked up and caught your eyes, it wasn’t the confident grin you’d expect from a hockey player. It was hesitant, almost boyish, like he wasn’t used to being seen anywhere off the ice. He said, voice low and a little rough, as if he had been shouting over an arena crowd not long ago.

“Hey. You were at the game last week, weren’t you? You didn’t look… like you wanted to be there.”