Practice the next day felt louder than usual.
Or maybe it was just me.
I sat on the bleachers again, my attention split between the game and the thoughts I couldn’t quite organize. The sound of skates against the ice, sticks clashing, voices calling out—it all blurred together into a steady hum.
And despite myself, my eyes kept drifting to Ronald.
It was becoming a pattern I didn’t like.
He was focused again, moving with that same precision I had noticed before, every action deliberate, every movement controlled.
There was no trace of the boy who used to tease me endlessly. No careless charm, just intent.
“Lily.” I blinked, turning slightly at the sound of my name. Tracy stood a few steps behind me, arms crossed loosely as she watched the game.
“What?” I asked, shifting slightly t
