Through your eyes - Nico Hischier

Chapter 3 - The coffee shop

Next tuesday, as the sun dipped below the horizon,  Y/N was among a small group of people who were granted the privilege to watch the New Jersey Devils practice, thanks to their connections in the community. The energy of the team, the crisp sound of skates slicing through the ice, the sheer athleticism of the players, especially Nico, had everyone buzzing with excitement.

As the session progressed, laughter and chatter filled the cold air among the spectators. Y/N was accompanied by a few acquaintances, including Nina who was known for her playful nature. The practice session was nothing short of mesmerizing, with Nico leading his team both in drills and in spirit. His passion for the sport was palpable from the bleachers, captivating Y/N's attention entirely.

As the session drew to a close, the small crowd began to disperse, the players heading into the locker rooms. All except for Nico, who seemed intent on perfecting a particular move. Y/N, too, lingered, her eyes following Nico's every glide and swerve on the icy canvas.

Nina noticed Y/N's reluctance to leave and, with a teasing grin, nudged her playfully.

 "Oh, someone's got a little crush, don't they?"

she said, wiggling her eyebrows mischievously. Y/N brushed off her teasing with a laugh, but the blush creeping up her cheeks betrayed her.

Ignoring Nina's teasing, Y/N decided to stay back, her curiosity and admiration for Nico's dedication anchoring her to the spot. Nina rolled her eyes, her grin widening before she bid Y/N goodbye, leaving them alone in the vast, now tranquil arena.

 Y/N continued to watch Nico, his silhouette casting long shadows on the rink under the neon lights of the rink. 

As the minutes ticked by, the silence between each strike of the puck grew more comforting. Eventually, Nico noticed Y/N's presence. He skated over her , a look of pleasant surprise mixed with appreciation in his eyes, he took off his jacket, a drip of sweat was sliding trhough his face :

"You stayed," he said, echoing the soft surprise in his tone.

"I did," Y/N replied, I admire your dedication. It's...inspiring."

A humble smile spread across Nico's face, warming Y/N's heart against the icy chill that hung in the air. 

The night had fallen fully now. Their conversation had turned from casual to warm and comforting, creating a bubble of warmth among the freezing arena. However, the temperature had dipped significantly, and the cold was becoming hard to ignore.

Noticing the slight shivers that shook Y/N's frame, Nico was quick to react. He unzipped his team sweatshirt and handed it to Y/N with a gentle, concerned expression. 

"Here, wear this. It'll keep you warm," he said, his eyes soft yet insistent.

With a mixture of surprise and gratitude, Y/N accepted the sweatshirt, feeling the warmth that still clung to it from Nico's body as she slipped it on. The sweatshirt was much too big for Y/N, but it engulfed her in a comforting warmth that brought an involuntary smile to her lips.

Nico couldn't help but chuckle at the sight – Y/N looked rather adorable with the oversized sweatshirt hanging off her frame. However, his concern overtook the amusement as he noticed Y/N's cheeks were tinted a soft red from the cold. Without a second thought, he reached out, cupping Y/N's face gently with his warm hands. The gesture was tender, his thumbs softly brushing against the cold skin in an attempt to share some warmth.

The tender touch sent a rush of warmth, not just on Y/N's cheeks, but throughout her body, igniting a flutter in her stomach. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. The connection between them deepened, the sparks of new, tender feelings crackling in the space between them, warming the chilly night air around.