Rinkside Romance

FIVE

The weeks continued to pass, and the connection between Mason and Annika grew more tangible with every shared smile, every late-night conversation, and every laugh that echoed between them. Yet, beneath the surface, there was an undercurrent of something more—something that neither was quite ready to acknowledge but both felt acutely.

At school, whispers of the upcoming hockey match against their rival were on everyone's lips. The tension was palpable, and the pressure weighed heavily on Mason. As the team's unofficial leader, he knew much of their success rested on his shoulders.

On a chilly Wednesday morning, Mason arrived at the rink for practice. The air was crisp, and the ground was frosted, a reminder that winter was fast approaching. As he laced up his skates, he caught sight of Annika on the bleachers, bundled up in a thick scarf and a beanie. She waved when she saw him, and Mason felt a warmth spread through his chest, chasing away the cold.

Giulia and Kenzie were already on the ice, running drills. The rest of the team followed suit, their skates cutting smoothly across the ice as they moved with precision. Annika watched intently, her eyes following Mason's every move as he effortlessly weaved through the other players, his focus unwavering.

After practice, Mason skated over to where Annika sat, still watching him with that curious, captivated expression. He leaned on the boards, catching his breath.

"You've got some serious skills, Mason Ridge," Annika said, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Mason grinned, still slightly out of breath. "Thanks. I've had a lot of practice."

"I can tell," she replied. "Think you're ready for the big game?"

Mason shrugged, his smile fading slightly. "I hope so. There's a lot riding on this one."

Annika's expression softened. "You'll do great. I have no doubt."

Mason looked at her, searching her face for any sign of uncertainty, but all he found was unwavering belief in him. It bolstered his spirits, even as the pressure of the upcoming game loomed large.

"Thanks, Annika," he said quietly. "That means a lot coming from you."

She reached out and squeezed his hand briefly before pulling back, her cheeks tinged pink from the cold—or maybe something more. Mason wasn't sure, but he couldn't deny the way his heart sped up at her touch.

After practice, the team gathered in the locker room, discussing strategies and plays. The atmosphere was tense, the weight of the upcoming game pressing down on everyone. Logan, always the jokester, tried to lighten the mood with a few quips, but even his usual humor couldn't break the palpable tension.

"Remember," Giulia said, her voice cutting through the chatter, "we've trained for this. We know what we're up against, and we're ready. Trust in yourselves, and trust in each other."

The team nodded, their resolve hardening. Mason met Giulia's eyes and gave her a grateful nod. She was a solid captain, and in moments like this, he appreciated her leadership more than ever.

As the team began to file out, Mason lingered behind, feeling the pressure gnawing at him. Silas, who had stopped by the rink to check in on his old team, noticed Mason's hesitation and walked over.

"You've got that look," Silas said, leaning against the lockers.

"What look?" Mason asked, glancing up.

"The one where you're overthinking everything," Silas replied with a knowing grin. "Relax, man. You've got this."

Mason sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just... there's a lot at stake."

"There always is," Silas said. "But you've trained for this moment. You've got a solid team, and you're more than capable. Don't let the pressure get in your head."

Mason nodded, appreciating the pep talk. Silas had always been good at grounding him, at reminding him of what was important.

"Thanks, Silas," Mason said, feeling a bit more centered.

"Anytime," Silas replied, clapping him on the shoulder. "Now go out there and show them what you're made of."

Later that evening, Mason found himself at Annika's doorstep once more. They had fallen into a comfortable routine, spending time together after school, whether it was going over plays, helping each other with homework, or just talking about their day. Tonight, Mason felt the need for her calming presence more than ever.

Annika opened the door with a smile. "Hey, Mason."

"Hey," Mason replied, his voice a little quieter than usual.

She noticed the slight shift in his mood immediately. "Rough day?"

"Just a lot on my mind," Mason admitted as he stepped inside. The warmth of Annika's house enveloped him, a stark contrast to the cold and tension he'd felt all day.

They settled into the living room, where Annika had already set out some snacks. She always seemed to know when he needed something, even before he realized it himself.

"You want to talk about it?" Annika asked, turning to him with those clear, steady eyes.

Mason hesitated for a moment before nodding. "It's just... the game. Everyone's counting on me, and I don't want to let them down."

"You won't," Annika said firmly. "You've put in the work, Mason. You're prepared. And more than that, your team trusts you."

Mason let out a slow breath. "I just... I don't want to fail."

"You won't," Annika repeated, her voice softening. She reached out and placed a hand on his arm, her touch grounding him. "And even if things don't go perfectly, it's not the end of the world. Your worth isn't defined by one game."

Mason looked at her, struck by the sincerity in her voice. She believed in him so completely, and it made him want to believe in himself, too.

"Thanks, Annika," he said, his voice full of emotion. "I needed to hear that."

She smiled, leaning back into the cushions. "Anytime, Mason. I'm always here for you."

They spent the rest of the evening talking about lighter topics, letting the tension of the day gradually fade away. As the hours passed, Mason felt the weight on his shoulders lift a little. Being with Annika made everything feel more manageable, more real, and more bearable.

When it was time for Mason to leave, he stood at the door, hesitating. Annika noticed, tilting her head slightly in question.

"I just... I wanted to say thank you," Mason said, his voice soft. "For being here. For everything."

Annika stepped closer, her eyes meeting his. "You don't have to thank me, Mason. I'm here because I want to be."

And with that, she hugged him. It was brief but warm, and Mason felt something shift inside him. This was more than friendship. He knew it, and he was pretty sure Annika knew it too. But for now, he was content to let things unfold naturally, in their own time.

As Mason walked home, the cold air biting at his cheeks, he couldn't stop thinking about how right it felt to be with Annika. Whatever came next—whether it was the game or something else—he knew he could face it. With Annika by his side, everything seemed possible.