Growing Attached To My Competition ✔️

Chapter 9 - Practices

It had been several days since both of the teams brawled it out on the ice. Both of the coaches were hugely disappointed in the teams.

Adrian's injuries caused him to be put on bed rest for several days. A concussion was quickly ruled out so he had to just focus on resting his ankle. His cheek was still bruised from the heaviness of the glove's impact to his face when Hanes punched him. Adrian didn't even realise he was bruised as his attention was brought to his head and foot.

Being in bed rest gave Adrian some alone time. He was able to study more which helped him improve his grades. He was less stressed as he felt less pressure from always performing well. He got to think about Brody a lot while he wasn't in school.

'It's player solidarity why you like him, it's just admiration.' Adrian told himself.

'He helped you when you were hurt, it's the Florence Nightingale Effect.' Adrian reasoned with himself.

'You don't like him, you don't like him, you don't like him...' Adrian kept repeating.

'You're not gay...' Adrian whispered.

Adrian was starting to get antsy just sitting in his room, he needed a break from everything. Adrian grabbed his hockey stick and left his house, making his way to the school stadium.

~~~~~~~~~~

It took longer than usual for Adrian to make his way to the stadium. Although his ankle was feeling better, it still wasn't 100% recovered.

Adrian thought he would be alone when he made his way to the rink. With it being so late and not seeing any cars nearby, Adrian thought the stadium would be empty.

So it was strange for Adrian to see Brody all alone on the ice rink. Brody had several pucks lined up at the centre as he kept practicing his shots. Adrian watched as Brody got every single one in the net, aimed at all of the five holes scoring areas at a fast speed.

"He really is good." Adrian whispered to himself.

Brody turned his body around as he thought he heard something. As he did, he saw Adrian standing by the rink.

Brody skated his way to Adrian, happy to see him there. Offering a smile, "Adrian, I didn't expect to see you here."

Adrian answered. "I was going crazy hoarded in my room, I wanted to do something to ease my mind."

Brody nodded his head. "I see."

It was now Adrian's turn to ask. "How come you're here so late?"

"Same as you really, I usually practice late at night and on my own whenever I want to relax." Brody told Adrian truthfully.

Adrian wanted more space away from Brody, a Brody-free setting - not more personal alone time with him. He couldn't risk having more feelings grow when he didn't want them to.

"I'll leave you to it then." Adrian offered a small smile before turning back around.

"Wait!" Brody loudly spoke. "I don't mind practicing with each other if you don't." Brody had suggested.

Adrian should have declined his offer, he should have just walked away and left him too it.

But Brody started antagonising him, "Besides, I've been asking around and Adam seems to think you're this big shot star player."

Brody smiled mischievously as he continued. "Let's see what all the fuss is about then."

Adrian knew that Brody was trying to goad him...