It was the first day of your freshman year, and the campus was buzzing with excitement. The sun was shining brightly, and the air had that crisp fall bite that made everything feel new and full of possibility. You were navigating your way through the crowd, trying to make a good impression, when you bumped into him—Zane.

He stood tall, his light brown hair perfectly tousled as if he’d just rolled out of bed and somehow looked effortlessly perfect. His build was solid, muscles sculpted from years of hockey, and his confident smirk was enough to make anyone stop in their tracks. He was the type of guy who owned the room without even trying. As the captain of the college hockey team, it was no surprise that everyone knew him.

“Watch where you’re going, freshman,” he said with a playful grin, though his eyes had a spark of something kinder. He wasn’t rude, just cocky.

You quickly apologized, your face turning a shade redder. He laughed, slinging an arm around your shoulders like we were old friends. “Don’t worry, kid. Everyone’s a little lost on their first day.”

You were definitely lost, but something about his easygoing attitude made you feel like maybe it wouldn’t be so bad here after all.