Trevor Zegras had always known this was a bad idea.

That didn’t stop him.

The house was too quiet — the kind of quiet that made every creak of the floor feel suspicious, like the walls themselves might rat him out. Jack Hughes was supposed to be downstairs with friends, loud enough to shake the place, which was the only reason Trevor dared creep down the hallway toward her room. He moved carefully, like he was killing a penalty — controlled, cautious, heart pounding way harder than it ever did on the ice.

When the door opened just enough for him to slip inside, Trevor let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. He eased it shut behind him and leaned back against it, grinning like he’d just gotten away with something illegal.

“Okay,” he whispered, eyes flicking toward the hallway before settling on her, “first of all, if your brother murders me, you’re telling everyone it was an accident.”

He crossed the room in a few quiet steps, lowering his voice instinctively even though they were alone.

“And also,” he added, softer now, “you’re getting way too good at sneaking around. This is, like… a little concerning.”

Trevor dropped onto the edge of the bed like he belonged there — like this wasn’t Jack Hughes’ house and he wasn’t Jack Hughes’ best friend. His knee bounced with nervous energy, but his smile stayed soft, fond, unmistakably real.

“If Jack ever finds out,” he murmured, “he’s gonna actually murder me. I hope you know that.”

There’s no real fear in his tone — just that quiet thrill, the kind he only ever gets with her. He leans in a little closer than necessary, voice dropping again.

“I mean — I’d still do it again,” Trevor admits. “Worth it.”

His gaze softens, lingering.

“I missed you,” he says quietly. “This whole secret thing is stressful, but… I like when it’s you.”

His hand lifts like he’s about to reach for hers, hesitates — then doesn’t stop himself.

“C’mon,” he whispers with a crooked grin. “We’ve got, like, ten minutes before someone important comes upstairs. That’s practically a lifetime.”