𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭

ten

Delphine

The café was buzzing with conversation and the clinking of mugs, but it felt like a backdrop for my thoughts. I stirred my coffee absently, watching the steam swirl, but my mind was still frozen on that rink, on the intruder who'd ruined my practice.

"Dels, are you even listening?" Eliza's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I blinked, meeting her expectant gaze. She was leaned in, her hazel eyes warm with the kind of earnestness I always found both endearing and mildly irritating. Eliza was patient, a trait I both admired and couldn't relate to in the slightest. I sighed and shrugged. "Sorry, just... distracted."

She raised an eyebrow, a knowing look in her eye. "Still thinking about your training this morning?"

"More like who decided to crash it." I felt my jaw clench, just remembering it. "He just... showed up out of nowhere, like he owned the place. I'm there, working on my routine, and he waltzes in, practically telling me I have to share the ice with him."

Eliza tried to stifle a smile. "Kaiden?"

"Yes, Kaiden." I practically spat his name, rolling my eyes as I said it. "As if I don't already have enough on my plate."

Eliza tapped her finger against her mug thoughtfully, clearly entertained. "To be fair, it is the hockey rink too."

"Don't remind me." I crossed my arms, trying to shrug off the frustration building up again. "I don't care if he needs practice; he's got an entire team of guys to back him up and tons of time on the ice. But that hour, those mornings, that's my time. He doesn't get to just waltz in like it's nothing."

She stifled a chuckle. "Well, it sounds like he didn't really 'waltz'—more like skated in."

"Very funny, Eliza." I narrowed my eyes at her, though it was hard to stay annoyed when she was trying to lighten the mood. "The guy just grinds my gears. He's cocky. The type of person who acts like the world revolves around him."

Eliza took a sip of her coffee, eyes glinting with amusement. "Maybe he's interested. Maybe he thinks watching you might help his game."

I shot her a look, shaking my head. "I doubt it. I don't think he's the type who's interested in much more than his own reflection."

"That's a little harsh," Eliza said softly, but I knew she understood where I was coming from. "But then, maybe he's just curious about you."

I rolled my eyes. "Sure. Curious enough to practically hover around and make his presence known."

Eliza tilted her head, watching me carefully. "Sounds like he's getting under your skin more than you're willing to admit."

"Maybe." I muttered, stirring my coffee again. The bitterness was almost satisfying, matching the irritation that lingered in my mind.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭ ⭑

The bleachers were packed, buzzing with that electric energy only a crowd could generate. It was hot and loud, the lights harsh and white against the ice, and the occasional bursts of laughter and shouting grated at my patience. I shifted in my seat, crossing my arms and letting out a long sigh as Eliza settled in beside me, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Oh, this is going to be so good," she whispered, her eyes glued to the ice. Her hazel eyes were already searching the players, her gaze following the black jerseys of our school team as they skated out.

"Eliza, you know I have better things to do," I muttered, leaning back against the uncomfortable bleacher seat.

"Oh, stop," she shot back, grinning. "You never get out of the rink unless it's to go to class. Think of this as research."