My Hockey Alpha

Chapter 0469

The cold, sharp bite of the ice-rink's air faded as the sounds of the crowd grew deafening. Making my way down toward the rink, I felt the surge of warmth wrap around me long before I realized it was Enzo, embracing me tightly armidst the throng.

His uniform, still damp with sweat, clung to him but he seemed not to care as he squeezed me close.

"That was a hell of a way to make an announcement," I whispered into his ear, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice. "Could've warned me, you know."

He pulled back, locking those soft yet striking brown eyes onto mine. The stadium's lights caught the sheen of triumph and emotion in them, making them appear almost ethereal.

"I didn't plan it, Nina," he admitted, his lips curving into a sheepish grin. "It just... felt right in the moment."

I bit my lip, fighting off the surge of guilt and anxiety that welled up inside me. The entire school now knew of his departure, and here I was, potentially holding news that could alter his plans drastically.

"You always did have a flair for the dramatic," I teased weakly, trying to keep the atmosphere light as I tucked a strand of curly, sweat-soaked hair behind his ear. "But you know, your fans seem to think I'm some sort of walking encyclopedia. I got bombarded with questions about it."

His laughter, genuine and contagious, bubbled forth. "Sorry. You know they've always been... special."

A soft silence fell between us. "Is everything okay?" he asked when I didn't laugh, searching my face for any signs of distress. "You look pale."

I nodded, perhaps too quickly. "Of course. Just... a lot to take in, you know?"

He seemed to buy my excuse, or perhaps he was too wrapped up in the whirlwind of his last big victory as a college hockey player to dig deeper. "How about we go out and celebrate?" he suggested, his voice full of hopeful enthusiasm. "One last hurrah at our favorite bar? Everyone's coming."

I agreed, welcoming the distraction, even if it was only temporary.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

The transition from the sterile coldness of the ice rink to the warm, earthy ambiance of the town's favored bar was a welcome one. The aged wooden beams overhead, complemented by rustic brick walls, gave the establishment an old-world charm. Crackly rock music music softly wafted through hidden speakers, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversations.

Our group found a large booth near the back, our favorite weekend spot to sit and watch the drunk bar goers come and go all night. Enzo, noticing a shiver run through me as the fan hit us, draped his warm flannel over my shoulders before sliding into the booth next to me, his arm casually resting behind my back.

A waiter swiftly approached, clearly recognizing our group. "The usual?" he asked with a knowing grin.

Enzo nodded, tuming to me. "Want the usual drink, Nina?"

Before I could reply, Jessica piped up. "Make it two less on the alcohol front. Nina and I are both feeling the mocktails tonight."

I shot her a grateful look, silently thanking her for the save. She winked in response.

When our drinks arrived, Enzo, holding his beer aloft, proposed a toast. "To new beginnings and cherished memories."

Our glasses clinked together in harmony. Everyone took hearty sips, reveling in the big victory All except me, of course. I took a tiny, almost non-existent sip, placing my glass back on the table with a soft thud.

*Not feeling it tonight?" Enzo asked, quirking an eyebrow. The dim glow from the hanging bulbs above us cast a soft shadow on his face, making his features appear even more striking.

I shrugged, hoping my face wouldn't betray the insecurity lurking underneath. It wasn't like me to turn down a drink at our favorite bar on a Saturday night. "Just... not in the mood, I guess," I lied.

Just then, a heavy arm landed on Enzo's shoulder, causing him to turn, Matt, newly crowned as the team's captain, was standing there, a wide grin on his face. "You did good out there, man," he said, offering Enzo a brotherly hug.