LOGINBen knew the hockey team's regulations in Hillary Campus were crystal clear. Players were forbidden from engaging in romantic relationships with teammates. Any violation could result in disciplinary action, or even removal from the team. Ben slipped his hands into his pockets, already imagining the chaos such a revelation would create. "You turned down my feelings Noa." His smirk deepened."So you'd better not be falling for Leon." He glanced once more toward the hallway where Noa had disappeared."Because if you are, you'll be out of this hockey team before you even realize what's happening." A satisfied chuckle escaped his lips as a dangerous plan slowly began to take shape in his mind. Later that day, Ben leaned against the corridor wall, watching Noa disappear down the staircase with his hockey bag slung over one shoulder. A sly grin spread across his face."In two days..." He glanced at the colorful banners students were hanging across campus. "The school
Their part didn’t cross until time for their practice. Noa arrived exactly on time. He changed in silence. When Leon entered the locker room, their eyes briefly met. Normally, Noa would have looked away with anger and jealousy. But today...He simply nodded. “Hey rookie.” No teasing, no awkwardness, and no lingering gaze. Leon frowned. "Hey, can I…" Leon started but Noa had already walked away. During drills, Noa played flawlessly.Every pass was precise. Every defensive move was perfect. He communicated only when necessary. "Left." "Behind." "Switch." Nothing more. Whenever Coach Finn paused practice, Noa walked to the opposite side of the rink instead of standing beside Leon like he usually did. Leon noticed. Again, and again something was very wrong. He wasn't angry and Leon don't like that. He suppose to be angry. What's the matter with him or didn't he see the gossip? Practice ended. Leon hurried after him. "Noa."Noa stopped but didn't t
The next morning, Leon walked across campus with his backpack slung over one shoulder, trying to focus on the lecture waiting for him. Something felt... off. People were looking at him. Not the usual curious glances. These were longer and knowing. Some students whispered behind raised hands. Others openly smiled when he walked past. A few even giggled. Leon's steps slowed. What's going on...? He wondered. As he approached the lecture hall, Jenny suddenly appeared beside him. She bumped his shoulder playfully. "So..." she whispered, unable to hide her grin. "Sab was the lucky guy, huh?" Leon stopped so abruptly another student nearly walked into him. "What?" Jenny raised an eyebrow. "Oh, don't play innocent." "What the heck are you talking about?" She laughed playfully. "Come on, Leon. It's everywhere." She gave him a teasing wink. Leon felt his heartbeat stumble."Jenny." His voice came out strained."What is everywhere?" Jenny blinked. Her smil
Leon hesitated. Something about accepting the ride didn't feel right, but the rain wasn't slowing. His bike was dead, and there was no way he could get a mechanic out there in the rain. Sabastian had already stepped out of the car. He went over to Leon, drew him out into the rain and Leon bumped into him. It was unexpected. Sabastian smiled and led him towards his car. Opening the door for him. “Come on Leon,“ he put his hands on his back as he settled in. Sabastian walked around quickly and settled in too. "I'll owe you one," Leon said quietly. "You don't owe me anything."Sabastian smiled warmly. "I like taking care of you." Those words were loud and it reached Noa to where he was standing with painful clarity. His fingers curled into fists. He wanted to walk over. He wanted to tell Leon not to go. He wanted to ask why Sabastian always seemed to appear at exactly the right moment. Instead, he couldn't due to team rule. He watched when Leon climbed into the
His heart thudded violently. The tiny hesitation was barely a second, but it was all Noa needed. A painful smile spread across his face. “Damn it,” he cursed, and looked away. “Did you kiss him back?” He asked with a cracked voice as tears threatened to spill. Leon didn't respond. That silence gave him the answer he needed. His fingers clenched. "You did." He turned gazing at him. “You fucking kissed him back.” "Noa, listen to me." "What the hell made you kiss him back?" "It wasn't intentional!" "But you did." Leon clenched his fists. "It only lasted a second." "A second is still a kiss." "Noa..." "No." His voice finally cracked. "Don't." Leon could feel the pain in his voice and it hurt him more. He reached for him. "Noa, please." Noa immediately stepped back."Don't touch me." The words struck Leon harder than any slap. "You know what hurts the most?" Noa asked quietly. "I trusted you." "Please, I never betrayed you." "Really?" Noa
The walk to the locker room was painfully silent. Usually, Noa would throw a joke at Derek or exchange tactics with the team before practice. However, not today. Leon watched him walk ahead of everyone. His hockey bag was slung over one shoulder, and his expression seemed to be carved from stone. Leon followed several paces behind. His chest tightened every time he looked at Noa's back. “He's really angry.” he muttered inaudibly. Inside the locker room, the usual chatter filled the air. "Today's drills are going to kill us." "The coach looked happy after yesterday's win." "I hope we're scrimmaging today." Noa ignored every conversation. He yanked open his locker harder than necessary. The metallic bang echoed through the room. Several teammates glanced in his direction. "You okay, Cap?" Derek asked. "I'm fine." The answer was short, cold, and final. Leon wanted to walk over. He wanted to explain everything before the misunderstanding grew any worse
The sudden burst of loud voices outside the stall instantly snapped both of them back to reality. The restroom door slammed closed. Students who walked in moved around noisily, laughing and talking over each other. Leon’s eyes flew open fully. At the same time, Noa jerked back slightly. His h
Both guys stared at him in surprise. He sounded very annoyed. “Come on, Cap. Let it go already. Coach had settled things after practice.” Vic immediately jumped in. “Exactly,” Nath agreed. “Leon was rough during training, but honestly? That rookie is good.” Noa stared at them blankly for
The moment Professor Hale dismissed the class, the lecture hall erupted with noise. Chairs scraped against the floor. Students hurried to pack their bags and rushed out to the cafeteria. Leon had barely zipped up his bag when Sebastian hooked an arm around his immediately. “You must be starvi
Noa tilted his head slightly, eyes dragging over Leon’s tense expression. “Are you sure about that?" Leon couldn't reply because he knew he was right. His heart had been thudding since he saw him in the shower. He had been trying to control his body from acting up. Water rolled down Leon’s ne







