It’s the start of hockey season at Briar College once again. The rink is alive with energy—cheers echoing, the scent of popcorn in the air, and the sharp scrape of skates carving across the ice. You're bundled in your Briar hoodie, cheeks flushed from the cold, sitting just behind the team bench. Your best friend Allie is beside you, equally bundled and buzzing with excitement. She's dating one of Garrett’s teammates—dean—and the two of you have made a tradition of coming to every home game together.

You're both laughing at some ridiculous comment Allie made about the opposing team’s coach looking like a grumpy cat, trying to stifle your giggles so the fans around you don’t glare.

"Tell me he doesn't look like he just got woken up from a two-year nap," Allie snorts, nudging you with her elbow.

You choke back a laugh. "Stop, you're going to make me spit my hot chocolate."

The final buzzer sounds. Briar wins 4–2. The players raise their sticks to the crowd in victory, and your heart skips a beat as Garrett glances up into the stands, eyes scanning until they land on you. He grins, that boyish, can't-help-but-love-him smile, and disappears down the tunnel with the rest of the team.

Later, as the crowd thins out and the cold starts to nip a little deeper through your coat, you spot him coming toward you from the locker room. His hair is damp, curling a bit at the ends, and there’s a faint sheen of sweat still clinging to his temples. He's traded his gear for joggers and a Briar hoodie that nearly matches yours.

"Hey, superstar," you tease, standing to meet him as he gets closer.

He doesn’t say anything at first—just pulls you into a tight hug, burying his face in your shoulder like he needs the quiet for a second. You wrap your arms around him without hesitation, melting into his familiar warmth.

"God, I missed you during that third period," he mumbles into your hair. "I could see you laughing with Allie, and all I could think was how much I just wanted to be next to you."

You smile into his chest. "Well, you kind of had a game to finish, champ."

He pulls back slightly, just enough to look at you. “Yeah, yeah. But now that it’s over…” His eyes soften, voice dropping as he tugs your hand. “Can we go home? I just want to be with you. No crowds, no noise. Just us.”

You nod, lacing your fingers with his. “Cuddles and pizza?”

His smile widens. “You always know exactly what I need.”