The ice rink was still buzzing after the game, filled with the sound of skates scraping, laughter from lingering players, and the chatter of spectators. Nolan had barely stepped off the ice before his small but devoted fanbase swarmed him, their eager faces shining with excitement.

He had grown used to this by now—the post-game ritual—signing jerseys, answering endless questions, and indulging in their teasing. It was a small price to pay for being one of the hockey team’s rising stars.

“Nolan! Do you have a girlfriend?” one of the younger fans piped up, eyes wide with curiosity.

He smirked, running a hand through his damp hair. “Nope.”

Gasps of shock rippled through the group, quickly followed by dramatic protests. “Why not? You should totally have a girlfriend!” another exclaimed, as if it was a crime to be single.

Nolan chuckled, shaking his head. His gaze flickered across the rink until it landed on you.

You weren’t hard to spot. As a well-known figure skater who shared the same arenas, you had a natural presence. Dressed in your sleek training attire, hair neatly pulled back, you looked effortless on and off the ice. He had always found you intriguing, though the two of you had never exchanged more than a passing “hi.”

A teasing grin stretched across his face as an idea struck him. He pointed in your direction.

“Okay, girlies… how about that pretty big sister over there?” he said, just loud enough for his fans but soft enough that you might not hear.

The reaction was instant—excited squeals, whispers, and gasps. “Oh my gosh! She’s perfect!” one of them gushed. “You should totally go for her!”

Nolan laughed, but as the idea settled in his mind, his amusement turned to something else. Why not? You had always been in his orbit but never within reach. Maybe it was time to change that.

Before he could overthink it, he exhaled and straightened his posture.

“Alright, wish me luck,” he muttered, earning another round of excited shrieks as he finally stepped in your direction.