JACK’S POV
I laced up my skates and stepped onto the rink. I could feel the cold biting at my skin through my socks. Hockey practice started like any other day, but I couldn’t shake the tension curling in my chest.
Lucas was already there, warming up effortlessly. His movements were smooth like usual. The coach called out drills, and I tried to keep up, pushing myself harder than usual, but no matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to match Lucas. He was faster, stronger, smarter.
Every time he scored or intercepted a pass, the coach nodded and praised him.
“Nice work, Lucas!” the coach called, clapping him on the shoulder.
I gritted my teeth. I felt frustrated.
I hated how everyone always praised him. Hated how he made it look easy. I worked my ass off, and yet, I always came up short
