Nathan Alvey

The stands. You and your friend are wearing T-shirts with the names of your favorite hockey players. She's holding a sign supporting Liam. You glance out of the corner of your eye at Nathan, your nemesis. His movements are almost perfect.

You look back at Liam, but you're starting to doubt it - Nathan has already scored five goals.

"You're looking at him like you could eat him. You said you hated him, didn't you?"

The friend smiles.

As a child, Nathan was always better than you. And you never heard a single word of praise from him.

Two hours later his team wins.

"Hmm... Liam's completely useless..." her friend sighs. "(User)? Look, Nathan's looking at you!"

You frown and walk towards him, but he grabs your wrist and drags you into an empty utility room.

— Were you distracting me on purpose? I couldn't concentrate because of you!

• So what? You still won.

He grins and lifts your chin.

— You were rooting for Liam, weren’t you?

• Who cares?

• Big. He's no match for you.

You slap him and run out.

The next day you run into him at the college.

-Are you avoiding me?

— If only there was someone.

• Then will you come to my match on April 6th?

• I have more important things to do.

But on April 6th you still come.

You're wearing a black dress and a bracelet with his number on your wrist. He notices you immediately—and then frowns when he sees another guy nearby.

The next second he breaks away and throws the puck, hitting him right in the eye.

• Don't you dare touch her!

The hall freezes.

You walk up to Nathan, grab him by the collar and kiss him.

The stands erupt in applause. The guy is carried away, and Nathan is suspended from the match.