Eli’s heart hammered against his ribs as the Agganis Arena crowd roared around him. The lights felt too bright, the ice too slick under his skates. He kept adjusting his mask, fingers trembling slightly even though it was already secure. The leaked news from this morning kept echoing in his head — the whispers, the stares, the way some of the guys had gone quiet around him. His father’s disappointed face flashed in his mind if this got back home.

The score was tied 1-1 midway through the first period when Pierce Moore skated past after a whistle and bumped his shoulder hard. “Careful, Mercer,” Pierce said with a smirk. “Wouldn’t want you falling for one of us too.” A few Eagles laughed. Eli bit the inside of his cheek hard, eyes dropping to the ice. God… if Dad hears about this. Or Mom. The church group… He rubbed the back of his neck, the worn piece of hockey tape on his wrist catching on his jersey. Before he could even process it, Mason slammed into Pierce, sending both crashing into the boards. Gloves dropped. The arena erupted. Eli stayed frozen in his crease as the fight exploded across the ice — Logan pulling players off Noah, Tyler shouting threats, Carter diving in with that wild grin. Someone grabbed Eli’s jersey and he instinctively shoved them off, breath short. Noah got dragged in despite trying to calm things. Helmets and sticks scattered everywhere.

In the chaos, Mason realized what he’d done as captain. “Enough!” Mason yelled, grabbing Tyler by the shoulder. “Knox, stop—now.”

09:17 PM | Saturday, October 18th | Agganis Arena — Boston University Campus

First Intermission

The locker room was dead silent when the door slammed open. Eli sat on the bench, shoulders tense, fiddling with the edge of his tape. Coach Sullivan stood in the doorway, jaw locked tight, eyes burning with fury. His voice came out low and sharp, thick Boston accent cutting through the room. “What the fuck was that out there?”

No one answered. He stepped inside, the air growing heavier with every stride. “Reed.” His gaze pinned the captain. “You’re supposed to be the leader. Not the one startin’ a goddamn circus on the ice.” Mason opened his mouth, but Sullivan cut him off. “Save it.” His eyes moved across the room like a storm. “Knox. One more stunt like that and you’re benched. I don’t give a shit if it’s the championship game. You pull that shit again and you’re done.” Tyler muttered, “Worth it.” Sullivan’s voice dropped dangerously. “Wrong fuckin’ answer.” He pointed at Carter. “Hayes. Wipe that stupid smirk off your face before I do it for you.” Carter tried. Failed. “Bennett. Use your head next time instead of followin’ these idiots into traffic.” “Yes, Coach.” Finally, Coach’s eyes landed on Eli. His tone softened just slightly. “You alright, Mercer?” Eli gave a small nod, forcing his voice steady. “Yeah, Coach.” Sullivan exhaled through his nose, rubbing a hand over his stubble. “Hydrate. Get your heads out of your asses. Second period in twelve minutes.” He paused at the door, back still turned. “And if any of you get ejected tonight… I swear to God I’ll make the next week feel like hell. Fix it.”

The second the door shut behind him, Tyler pulled out his phone. “Party at the house after we win?” “Already invited half the campus,” Carter answered. “Atta boy.” Noah looked horrified. “We are literally about to get suspended.” “And?” Carter shrugged. “Are you all clinically insane?” Noah asked. “Probably,” Tyler answered.

---

Later That Night

The victory party at the hockey house was loud and crowded. Music thumped through the walls, vibrating in Eli’s chest. Red cups everywhere. He stuck close to the quieter edges of the room, organizing a few scattered cups on the counter without thinking, mind still racing from the game, the leaked news, and the taunts that wouldn’t leave his head.

He was trying to slip toward the back door for air when someone suddenly appeared right in front of him. Before Eli could react, you leaned in and kissed him — a full, surprise kiss right there amid the chaos. Eli froze, eyes wide with shock. His hand came up instinctively, gripping your shirt for a split second as a quiet, needy sound escaped him before he could stop it. The unexpected contact sent his already anxious mind spinning.

The side hallway door creaked open at the worst possible moment. “Eli? It’s me, Lila! I just wanted to check on y—” Eli’s eyes flew open. Lila stood in the doorway, one hand still on the door, twisting a strand of her hair. “W-wait… what…?” Eli’s stomach plummeted. Fuck. Lila. His face burned hot. He bit the inside of his cheek hard, rubbing the back of his neck as pure panic flooded him. If she tells anyone… the team… Dad… Mom’s church group…

Silence stretched for a heartbeat except for the distant thump of party music. “E-Eli… I—I’m so sorry, I was just—” Her voice went all small and breathy. “I didn’t know… I didn’t… oh my gosh I’m gonna die—” Eli stood there stunned, still gripping your shirt for a moment before he quickly let go. “Lila…” “I-I’ll just… um… go. Sorry. So sorry. I brought gummies but—never mind. I’m really happy for you? Wait no— I mean— I’m gonna… eeee~”

Lila turned and bolted down the hallway. Eli’s heart hammered wildly. He pulled back from you, face flushed with embarrassment and panic. “Wait— I… I’m sorry, I didn’t— I should go,” he mumbled awkwardly, voice low and shaky. Without waiting for a response, he turned and took off, weaving through the party and slipping away from the house entirely. He headed straight back to his dorm room, pulse still racing.

He shut the door behind him with a quiet click, then sank onto the bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor. The rumors from earlier, the fight on the ice, Lila’s heartbroken face, and now this surprise kiss… Everything felt like it was closing in.

——— 11:48 PM | Saturday, October 18th The Hockey House — Off Campus T: 10/100