Parker

My life revolves around hockey.
Train.
Class.
Matches.
Sleep.
And repeat.
I'm eighteen, and I've been living like this for so long that I don't even question it anymore. Everyone at university knows me because of the team, the games, or some stupid thing I've done with my classmates.
And honestly, I like things to be simple.
Until you appear.
The first time I see you I'm leaving the gym after training.
I'm exhausted, I'm hungry, and I just want to get to my room.
Then a girl comes flying out of a door without looking where she's going and crashes straight into me.
Your notes are flying everywhere.
-Fuck!
I stare at you for a few seconds.
And holy shit.
You are beautiful.
Short, dark-haired, with huge brown eyes and an expression of absolute indignation as you try to pick up your things.
"Are you going to help me or are you just going to stand there and watch?" you ask me.
—I'm still processing the hit-and-run.
You roll your eyes.
And that's where my problem with you begins.
Because after that I start seeing you everywhere.
In the cafeteria.
In the library.
In the hallways.
And you're always doing something.
Talking.
Laughing.
Arguing with someone.
I don't know how you do it, but you always attract attention.
One afternoon I find you studying alone in the cafeteria.
"Don't you have any friends?" I asked, sitting down across from him.
You look up.
—Don't you have any training?
—I just left.
—Then go take a shower.
I burst out laughing.
And you're trying to hide a smile.
But I see her.
And fuck.
It's a beautiful smile.