Growing Attached To My Competition ✔️

Chapter 86 - Epilogue

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*2 Years later...

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"Mr Jones?! Mr Jones?!"

Adrian was wiping off the sweat on his head as he turned towards the reporters and flashing lights that were capturing his attention.

Stepping closer towards them, Adrian smiled politely as he gestured for the first reporter to talk to him.

"Carolynne Tanning, Sports Network. First of all I would like to congratulate you on your first victory as a part of the Penguins. How does it feel to win your first game."

Adrian laughed as the adrenaline was still flowing through his body. "Excuse my language, but it's fucking amazing! I couldn't have done it without my team of course, and Coach Taylor has always been our rock."

With more people calling out his name, Adrian pointed to the older man dressed in a grey suit.

"Bob Harfood, representative for the National Men's Hockey League. You've been identified by many other reporters and journalists as a rising star in the industry. With your team's first win in a major league under your belt, do you have any advice to younger stars who hope to be in your place someday?"

Adrian paused as the spotlight was still on him, making him think of an appropriate answer that others could eventually look up to. "Actually my teammate Jetson gave me some advice a few years ago that stuck with me ever since. It was all about keeping dedication to the sport I loved with a passion, and having a support system that would help me everyday."

Seeing Jetson walk past them all in the locker room, Adrian smiled back at him and waved.

"Jaxon Heathers, journalist for Out Magazine. Rumour has it that you are a LGBT+ person. With claims of you being in a homosexual relationship, can you care to comment on your lifestyle?"

Adrian stood proud as he smiled back at the journalist. "Yes, I am gay and in a loving relationship with another man."

Writing it down in his notepad, the journalist spoke again. "Jaxon Heathers again, journalist for Out Magazine. Now that you've confirmed the rumours, you're bound to gain quite a fan base not only for your skills, but as a LGBT+ person who has made a name for themselves. Could you please comment on what it's like being gay, and how it's been since you joined the team?"

Nodding his head, Adrian took his time to think of a diligent response. "I'm just being true to who I am, and I'm not ashamed to stand proud as a gay man. Ever since I joined the team, everyone has been supportive since I never hid the fact that I am gay. And as my career begins to rise, I hope that people look up to me one day for not just being 'the gay hockey player', but just as 'a hockey player that is also gay'.

Adrian chuckled a little when he heard a round of applause from some of his teammates and the reporters. He scratched the back of his neck as he stood slightly awkwardly.

Looking at the crowd of reporters that were still trying to get his attention, Adrian grinned stupidly at a particular person who held a microphone right in front of his face.

"Adam Hanes, local sports analysis, commentator and best friend. Where's your fiancé?"

Adrian pushed aside his shirt slightly so he could grab the ring that was tied to a chain around his neck. Holding it in his hand, Adrian admired the wedding band that showed their commitment towards each other.

"Somewhere in the locker room, I think?" Adrian answered as he saw Adam wear a mischievous grin, still teasing him about his relationship for so many years.