The Game

Chapter one

⋅˚₊‧ The proposal ‧₊˚ ⋅

Nico Hischier sat in the dimly lit conference room, his eyes tracing the familiar patterns in the wood grain of the table. He had been called in for a meeting, and while this wasn't unusual, the nervous energy in the room and the presence of the team's PR director, Jennifer Grant, hinted that this was not about hockey.

"Thanks for coming, Nico," Jennifer began, her voice betraying a hint of unease. "We need to discuss something that's not directly related to your performance on the ice."

Nico, the captain of the team, raised an eyebrow. "What's this about, Jennifer?"

Jennifer leaned forward, clasping her hands on the table. "We understand that your focus has been on your career, and that's commendable. But it's been a few years since you've been seen with anyone. Some fans are starting to think it's affecting your stability and focus."

Nico leaned back, a frown creasing his forehead. "So what? I'm here to play hockey, not to entertain people with my love life."

"We know that, Nico," Jennifer said gently. "But the truth is, the perception out there matters. It affects how the team is viewed and, indirectly, our performance as a whole."

Nico crossed his arms. "What kind of solution are you talking about?"

Jennifer took a deep breath. "We think it would be beneficial for you to have a relationship, at least publicly. A fake one, just to show that you're stable and, well, normal."

Nico's eyes widened in disbelief. "You want me to pretend to be in a relationship?"

"It's not as bad as it sounds," Jennifer said quickly. "It's just for appearances. We've actually found a candidate who is willing to help."

"One candidate?" Nico echoed, shaking his head in astonishment. "You've already picked someone out for this?"

Jennifer slid a folder across the table towards him. "Her name is Amelie Wolf. She's somewhat known in the hockey world because she works in sports media. The hockey community already knows a bit about her, and we believe that having her as your fake girlfriend could be very beneficial."

Nico stared at the folder, his mind racing. This was absurd, yet he could see the concern in Jennifer's eyes. They genuinely believed this could help.

"I don't know about this," he said finally. "It feels wrong."

Jennifer nodded sympathetically. "We understand, Nico. But think about it. This could take a lot of pressure off you and the team. Just give it a chance."

Nico sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'll look at the folder. But I'm not promising anything."

"That's all we ask," Jennifer said, relief evident in her voice. "Just consider it."

As Nico left the room, folder in hand, he couldn't shake the feeling of walking into an elaborate charade. Yet, as he thought about the situation, he realized they were doing this out of concern for him and the team. Maybe, just maybe, there was a sliver of merit in their crazy plan.

After the meeting, Nico headed back to the locker room, where Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt were lounging. He tossed the folder onto the bench, gaining curious glances from his teammates.

"What's that?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nico let out a frustrated sigh. "Jennifer wants me to have a fake relationship for the sake of the team's image. Says it'll make me look more stable."

Jack and Jesper exchanged knowing looks.

"We kind of saw this coming," Jesper said shrugging.

"Not surprising, really," Jack added. "You've been all about hockey since 2019. People notice."

Nico shook his head in disbelief. "And you guys are okay with this?"

Jack chuckled. "As long as it helps the team, man. And if it takes some pressure off you, why not?"

Jasper nodded. "Just meet the girl who knows might work out."

Nico glanced at the folder again, feeling a mixture of frustration and reluctant acceptance. "Yeah, we'll see."

Amelie Wolf sat at her desk, absently scrolling through her emails, when her phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, she saw a message from Jerome Thai, her boss.

Hey Amelie, can you come by my office? Need to discuss something important.

Curiosity piqued, Amelie made her way to Jerome's office, wondering what this urgent meeting could be about. She knocked lightly on the door before entering. Jerome, a tall man with a perpetually cheerful demeanor, looked up from his desk and gestured for her to sit.

"Thanks for coming, Amelie," he said, closing his laptop. "I have a rather unusual proposition for you."

Amelie raised an eyebrow as she took a seat. "Unusual? You've got my attention."

Jerome leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk. "You know Nico Hischier, right?"

Amelie's eyes widened slightly. "Of course. Captain of the Devils. Why?"

"Well," Jerome began, choosing his words carefully, "the Devils' PR team reached out to us with a request. Nico's been having some image issues, mostly because he hasn't been seen with anyone since 2019. Fans and media are starting to talk, and not in a good way."

Amelie frowned. "And what does that have to do with me?"

Jerome took a deep breath. "They want you to be his fake girlfriend. Just for appearances, to help improve his public image."

Amelie blinked, stunned into silence for a moment. "You want me to pretend to be Nico Hischier's girlfriend?"

"Yes," Jerome confirmed. "They think that since you're already known in the hockey world, it would be a natural fit. Plus, you're professional, smart, and can handle the media attention."

Amelie leaned back in her chair, processing the information. "This is... unexpected. Why me, though? Surely there are other candidates."

Jerome smiled. "They believe you're the best option because you already have a presence in the sports media. It wouldn't look forced. Plus, you've got a good reputation. It could be beneficial for both parties."

Amelie sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I don't know, Jerome. This feels... wrong. Dishonest."

Jerome nodded understandingly. "I get it. It's a lot to take in. But think about it. This could open up new opportunities for you. More visibility, more connections in the hockey world. And it's only temporary."

Amelie stared at the floor, weighing her options. On one hand, the idea of faking a relationship didn't sit well with her. On the other, she couldn't deny the potential professional benefits.

"I need some time to think about it," she said finally.

"Of course," Jerome agreed. "Take all the time you need. Just know that they need an answer soon. And remember, we're here to support you, whatever you decide."

Amelie nodded, standing up to leave. "Thanks, Jerome. I'll let you know soon."

As she walked back to her desk, her mind raced with conflicting thoughts. The prospect of pretending to date Nico Hischier was daunting, yet intriguing. Maybe, just maybe, this crazy idea could work out for the best.

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

First chapter turned out way better than I thought 🥳

Sorry I didn't realise the second chapter got published first 😭