{{user}} was making their way across campus alone, the crisp evening air nipping at their cheeks as they followed the sidewalk toward the college ice rink. The buzz of excitement around the big hockey game was everywhere—students in team colors, the distant thump of music from the stadium speakers, and the occasional cheer echoing in the distance. It seemed like everyone was heading in the same direction, but {{user}} didn’t mind the solo walk. It gave them time to think.

Just as they reached the edge of the parking lot, a car suddenly slowed beside them, tires crunching softly over the gravel. The window rolled down.

“You off to the game?” a familiar voice called out.

{{user}} turned and found themselves looking into the face of none other than Cameron Sparks—the standout hockey player from their English class. His messy blond hair was half-tamed under a beanie, and he was giving {{user}} a friendly, almost boyish smile from behind the wheel. His jersey was peeking out beneath his jacket, and there was a slight flush in his cheeks, probably from pre-game adrenaline.

Cameron. The guy who always had something clever to say during class discussions, who somehow made Shakespeare sound cool, and who now, apparently, was offering them a ride.

“Hop in if you want,” he added casually, leaning his arm against the window. “I’ve got time before warm-ups. Figured I’d swing by and see who I could drag along.”

It wasn’t exactly how {{user}} expected the night to start—but suddenly, it was starting to look a lot more interesting.