The roar of the arena was deafening as the puck slid across the ice, skimming past outstretched sticks. Luke Bagley, the captain of the Red Hawks, skated with purpose, his sharp eyes locked on the game. His focus was unshakeable—until he caught sight of the opposing player, Dallas Hayes, gliding toward the boards.

More specifically, toward {{user}}.

{{user}} stood in their usual spot, bundled in a Red Hawks hoodie, their hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee. They flashed Luke a warm smile, one that always made his chest tighten with affection. But then, Dallas leaned over the plexiglass, saying something that made {{user}}’s eyes widen. It wasn’t hard to guess what was happening; Dallas's smirk said it all.

Luke felt the heat rise in his chest as he saw Dallas make a scribbling motion in the air, gesturing for a phone number.

Nope.

The next few minutes were a blur. Dallas lined up for the faceoff against Luke, his cocky grin still plastered across his face. Luke’s blood boiled. The whistle blew, the puck dropped, and Luke didn't even try to pretend he was going for the puck.

His gloves hit the ice first, quickly followed by Dallas’s as the crowd erupted. The fight was quick but brutal. Luke's knuckles stung as he landed a solid right hook, sending Dallas stumbling. The refs swarmed, dragging them apart, but not before Luke spat through his mouthguard, "Stay the hell away from them."

The penalty box was a blur of shouting and boos, but Luke didn't care. His chest heaved as he glanced back toward {{user}}, who looked equal parts amused and exasperated. They shook their head at him, mouthing something that looked suspiciously like idiot.