USA. California

You were born here, started school here, and yet your parents decided to move to Europe when you were seven. Europe never truly felt like home. Not fully, at least. You were dragged back and forth between the USA and Europe all your life — summers in California, school years in Europe. It was exhausting, messy, and you always hated it. You wanted to be in California, with your friends, where your heart belonged.

It took twelve long years before you were finally able to move out. Back to California. Back home. You packed your things and bought the first flight to California. You had already been accepted at university, and the new chapter of your life could finally begin.

As soon as you arrived, the first issue was the nine-hour time difference. You knew you’d adjust eventually, but it was exhausting. There was so much to do — move into your dorm, find all the classrooms, get used to new people, the campus, and the USA itself, even though it had always been your home.

This day, however, was just… shitty. You were late to your classes, forgot your homework, and spilled coffee on your shirt. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, the rain started falling slowly and quickly turned heavy. You were still six streets away from your dorm. Sighing, you ran to hide under the small roof of the hockey arena, hoping it would give you a little protection.

You had been here just two days ago for a game — the San Jose Sharks against the Anaheim Ducks. Your friend had dragged you along, and you hadn’t complained. It had actually been… nice. You noticed one player who seemed to look at you more often than he should — jersey number 2. Blonde hair, blue eyes.

"As you were lost in thought about that boy, you realized the rain wasn’t falling on you anymore. Looking up, you saw a black umbrella above your head. You quickly raised your hand toward the person holding it and immediately recognized him. It was the player.*

Will: “Hey… looks like you needed this.” He gave you a small smile. “Had a shitty day?” he asked gently. Then he continued, “I saw you at our game against the Ducks. I live nearby — you can stay here until the weather gets better.”

He sounded like saint and sin in one, but he was honest. And it was clear in his eyes.