My Hockey Alpha

Chapter 0467

All around me, the stadium echoed with the intensity of the last few minutes of the game.

The players moved at a frenetic pace, each moment on the rink more nail-biting than the last. Enzo's team was a goal down, but I knew better than to lose hope, especially with Enzo's uncanny ability to pull something extraordinary out of the bag.

And then, with seconds to spare, he did just that.

Enzo pivoted around an opponent with unbelievable grace, sending the puck flying through the air in a mesmerizing arc. The goalie dove, but he was just a fraction of a second too late. The puck landed with a thud inside the net, signaling the tie. The cheers and gasps of the crowd filled the air, an explosive mix of tension and exhilaration.

Overtime ensued, and the pressure was palpable. I could see Enzo speaking to his teammates, probably devising some strategy. With only a minute left, he executed a feint that seemed impossible, evading two defenders and netting the winning goal with a finesse that left the entire stadium stunned.

The crowd erupted. The roar was deafening. Enzo's teammates swarmed him, lifting him onto their shoulders in a triumphant parade around the rink. It was a spectacle, a celebration of skill, teamwork, and sheer willpower. Enzo's face was alight with joy, but as his gaze met mine, the brilliance of his smile deepened.

Despite the turmoil in my heart, I couldn't help but smile back, pride and love overwhelming every other emotion. Tonight was his night, his victory. The looming uncertainties could wait, at least for now.

"He's unbelievable, isn't he?" Lori whispered, leaning into me.

"Yes," I murmured, my eyes still locked with Enzo's. "He really is."

Jessica nudged me playfully. "So, you're just going to let him bask in the glory tonight and drop the bomb tomorrow?"

I exhaled, feeling the weight of the unspoken again. "I promised I'd take the test tomorrow, Jess. And I will. But tonight... tonight is for him."

Lori raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure, Nina? It's big news. Don't you think he should know sooner rather than later?"

*Lori, I'm not even sure if there's news to share yet," I responded, a bit defensively. "Let's not jump to conclusions." Jessica interjected, her tone softening. "We just care about you, Nina. And Enzo. We want what's best for both of you."

I squeezed her hand gratefully. "I know. And I promise, first thing tomorrow, I'll find out."

The crowd's cheers were beginning to settle down when the stadium's speakers buzzed to life.

"Hey everyone!" Enzo's voice boomed, causing a fresh wave of cheers. "I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all. This victory, it isn't just mine, it's all of ours."Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

There were loud cheers of agreement. He paused for a moment, letting the applause die down.

*But I also have an announcement to make." He hesitated, just a beat too long, and I felt a flutter of unease in my stomach. He wasn't....

He continued. "At the end of this semester, I'm leaving Mountainview... for a new opportunity. And tonight was my last game here."

The crowd gasped, a collective sound of surprise and dismay.

I felt my heart lurch. I hadn't expected him to announce his departure publicly like this. I had been under the impression that he would leave quietly, or maybe make a social media post announcing Matt as the new captain. Considering how much people loved Enzo here, it was certain to cause outrage. I thought that he wanted to avoid that.

He wasn't done, though. "I know this might be unexpected for many of you. And trust me, this place, this team, all of you... you hold a special place in my heart. But every end is a new beginning. And speaking of beginnings, I'd like you all to cheer for the new captain of our team, Matt!"