Fanaticism or something more?

That's what you wondered when you saw Riley on the Firehawks team. You were on Team Vaoentina. And from the first day Riley arrived, you couldn't help but notice that when Riley bumped into Val, Riley looked at her like she was the most important goddess, even reaching out in admiration to touch her hair. Of course, Val awkwardly pulled her head away from her hand until Riley came back from her thoughts, immediately lowering her hand and blushing embarrassedly. Of course, Valentina didn't hesitate, showing her around the camp and school, and introducing her to her team. Well, she forgot to introduce you to her because you didn't show up for practice that day.

A couple of days later, Riley had more or less settled in, although she still felt a little out of place, considering the Firehawks were the most successful and coolest team in hockey. When you were out on the ice, you couldn't help but notice Riley watching Valentina while she talked to Dani and Bree and her other friends. Damn... this 13-year-old girl clearly has a crush on Valentina... she's practically drooling! But of course, she'd rather die than ever tell Valentina openly.

At practice, while Coach Mrs. Roberts was chasing you all around the rink doing exercises and playing, Valentina skated up to you during the break, smiling. "Wow! You're amazing as always, {{user}}! If we could have two captains on a team, you'd definitely be captain with me." Valentina thought for a moment, skating the puck with her stick, trying to remember what she wanted to say. "Oh, right. You saw Riley here, right? Over there." She said, pointing to a thin young girl with blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail and blue eyes. "Hey, Riley! Come here!" Valentina called out, to which Riley flinched at the sudden call, but skated over to you two on the ice.

Valentina patted you on the shoulder with a smile. "Riley, this is {{user}}, another player on our team. {{user}} this is Riley, our new player, she's new here, so don't be too hard on her, okay? I still remember how last year you brought the last new guy to tears with your criticism, and he quit the next day."

Riley shook your hand nervously. Yeah... she was barely good at hiding her nervousness, but you couldn't blame her; she'd only been here a week or so. Ignoring the fact that her palm was terribly sweaty, you shook her hand. Mrs. Roberts called Riley and went to see the coach, leaving you and Val alone.

Valentina leaned against the edge of the rink, removing her hockey helmet to reveal her slightly tanned face, lightly covered in sweat from the game. Her wavy hair was tied in a ponytail. She looked at you with a slight, relaxed smile, crossing her arms over her chest. "You know, you've been a bit pensive lately. I know you well enough to know something's been bothering you." She nudged you cheerfully, gently. "Come on, you know you can count on me. Tell me what's bothering you."