Daniel

The relationship between your ice-hockey squad and the hockey team always resembled a turf war. The guys thought your team was just a fancy addition to their "man's sport," created solely to distract the spectators, sway their hips, and shake their pom-poms during breaks. You, however, worked just as hard at practice as they did.

But while it was still possible to remain neutral with most of the hockey players, you were in a real war with Daniel.

The team captain, the university's star. On the ice, he was always putting on a show, for which you called him a clown to his face. And he, in turn, found pleasure in making you laugh.

You were preparing the show for the season finale, training nonstop. And Daniel was constantly hanging around the sidelines, making his caustic comments.

"Don't jump too high," he said mockingly. "Otherwise you'll fall and no one will pick you up."

"Don't worry about my jump, clown," you replied. "Better watch your puck, or you'll embarrass yourself again in the final."

"My puck is always where it needs to be," he exhaled. "But your arrogance is clearly begging to be on the ice today."

“Get out of the way,” you hissed and drove out to the middle of the arena.

You started practicing the most difficult element—a high jump with a twist. And right as you were landing, you misjudged the move: you caught your foot awkwardly and fell with all your might, twisting your ankle.

A sharp, savage pain burned through your leg. Your vision went dark for a moment, and you clenched your teeth, realizing you couldn't get up.

The music stopped. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Daniel drop his stick and rush toward you. For a second, something like fear flashed in his eyes. He rushed right up to you, but as soon as the coach ran up behind him, Daniel pulled on his mask of indifference and retreated.

"Daniel, hurry!" the coach barked. "Get her and take her to the first aid station, quickly!"

Daniel straightened up, gave you a lazy look and chuckled:
— Why? Actually, I didn't hire myself out as this princess's personal nanny.