My Boyfriend Cheated, So I Kissed The Hockey Captain

Finally! The day is here. I check the time on my phone for what feels like the hundredth time now. Only two hours more until I finally see Asher. A smile spreads across my face. After two long years, I’m finally going to see my boyfriend again. Asher and I were childhood sweethearts, your typical sweet story of two friends becoming lovers. Three years ago, he asked me to be his girlfriend, and I accepted without hesitation. But everything changed two years ago when Asher was scouted by one of the most prestigious hockey teams in the city. I had been incredibly proud of him. But as time flew by, the distance made it difficult. He was always too busy with training, games, and practices. It was always one excuse or another. I could only watch him on the television and send him my heart. But I endured it all and joined the town's local team. I worked hard, trained until my muscles ached. And now, I was scouted by a prestigious university hockey team in the city. The same city where Asher lives. Today, I’m going to surprise him with the good news. He just won’t see it coming. My grin grew wider as I imagined the shocked and happy look on Asher’s face when he sees me at his school. Although I am nervous about leaving Bristle Town, the thought of seeing Asher again drowns every other feeling. I dragged my suitcase through the entrance of the team house while holding my phone against my ear. “Are you there yet?” my best friend, Agnes, asked excitedly. I let out a little laugh. “I just arrived.” “How beautiful is it?” she asked again. I glanced around the enormous house. “Really beautiful,” I answered. “And Asher?” My smile faded slightly. “Not yet. I need to report to my team first.” “Check your purse. I left a little present,” she said. I stopped and rummaged through the purse with one hand. I pulled out a roll of condoms, extra-large. My eyes widened at her little present. “Agnes!” I nearly yelled. “You’re crazy,” I mouthed. She burst out laughing through the phone. “Relax, we’re not twelve anymore.” My face squeezed up in a playful frown as I stared at the present. An embarrassed blush invaded my cheeks. “What better way to celebrate your reunion than s*x?” Agnes let out. My cheeks became so red that I pursed my lips and fanned myself to keep calm. Asher and I have never done it before. I was about to slip the condoms back into my purse while loosely holding my briefcase when someone suddenly bumped into me. My phone slipped from my hand, and my suitcase tipped sideways. The roll of condoms also fell to the floor, right in front of my feet. “Oh!” I looked up sharply. Three guys stood in front of me. The one in the middle barely glanced at me before his eyes dropped to the floor. His expression changed as he gazed at the condoms. His eyes flashed to me, and he gave me a dismissive look. “Don’t waste your time.” I stared at him, completely confused. “Excuse me?” He stepped around me and leaned down a bit. “I don’t do countryside pumpkins.” The three guys laughed as they followed him down the hallway. I remained frozen. Countryside pumpkin? My mouth dropped open wide, astounded. I picked up my phone lying on the floor and pulled my suitcase closer, still staring at his disappearing back. “What just happened, Bella?” My best friend’s voice came through the phone. I placed the phone against my ear again. “I think I just met the rudest person in the city,” I said. I was still trying to process what had just happened when a loud whistle echoed through the building. “Everyone, get in here!” I followed the voice and entered the team’s training room. Several guys were already gathered there, some sitting on the benches while others stood around in their practice gear. The moment I walked in, the conversations died down slowly. Every pair of eyes turned toward me. I swallowed and tightened my grip on my bag. The coach stood at the center of the room, his eyes catching mine. “Good. You’re here.” He turned to the team. “Everyone, this is Bella Kim. Starting today, she’s officially part of this team.” There was silence for a minute, like they were all trying to process it. Then came a few exchanged looks. A guy from the back raised his eyebrows. “Wait... she’s playing with us?” Coach nodded. I forced myself not to react, then my eyes landed on someone familiar. My jaw dropped. He stared back at me. That rude guy from earlier. His expression shifted instantly. “You?” I crossed my arms. Talk about bad luck. How could he be on my team? I shook my head, rolling my eyes hard. His face hardened, and so did mine. He turned toward the coach. “Coach, are you serious?” I let out an annoyed chuckle, hearing his strong disapproval. Who on earth did he think he was? “Have all the boys suddenly fallen off the ice that we have to use a girl to fill the spot?” he asked, his voice totally filled with arrogance. The room erupted in laughter. My jaw clenched at his insult. He just looked down on me. Not only was he rude, but he was also disrespectful. Well, what do I expect from spoiled brats like him? He leaned against the bench, a smug look settling across his face. “I’d be embarrassed to have a girl playing for me.” That did it. I stepped forward. “What’s your name, arrogant?” I asked. The laughter died down. They all stared at me like I had asked something strange. For a second, I was perplexed. “She really is from the countryside. How could you not know Tyler Brooks?” one of the boys said. “He’s the most handsome, wealthy, and best hockey player in the whole country.” They introduced him, and listening to how serious they sounded, my heart skipped a beat, wondering how much of a big deal he was.