Always On Ice

Oops!...I Did It Again

Song used to write this chapter: Oops!... I Did It Again by Britney Spears

Game night was always a rollercoaster of emotions for you, but tonight, as you made your way to the family room, something felt different. There was electricity in the air, an unshakable feeling that something was about to change. You couldn't quite put your finger on it-until you saw her.

A familiar figure stood in the center of the room, arms crossed, a grin tugging at the corners of her lips like she had just pulled off the greatest prank in history.

"Sasha?!" Your voice came out in a breathless gasp, eyes widening in disbelief.

"Surprise!" Sasha threw her arms out dramatically, her laughter ringing through the room. "Did you really think I'd let you stress-watch this game alone?"

Your shock melted into excitement as you rushed forward, wrapping her in a tight hug. "I had no idea you were coming! This just made my night."

"I know, I know. I'm the best." Sasha flopped onto the couch with a self-satisfied smirk, patting the seat beside her. "But wait until you hear what else is making this night even better."

You settled in beside her, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? Spill."

Sasha wiggled excitedly, barely able to contain herself. "Okay, so you know how I've been talking to Fabian?"

Your lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Yeah...?"

"Well," she practically beamed, "things are amazing with him. Like, we've been texting nonstop, and last night, he called me just to talk. There was no reason, no plans-just because he wanted to hear my voice."

Your jaw dropped. "No way! That's huge."

"Right?! And get this-he said he wants to take me out after tonight's game. Like, a real date, not just 'grabbing food after practice' type of thing."

You grabbed Sasha's hands, shaking them excitedly. "Oh my god, this is happening! This is real!"

Sasha giggled, nodding. "I know. And honestly? I haven't felt this happy about someone in a long time." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "And, uh, he paid for my plane ticket and hotel so I could be here."

Your heart swelled for your best friend. "Okay, now we definitely have to win this game. We need all the good vibes."

Sasha raised the popcorn bag like a toast. "To the men who score-on and off the ice."

You laughed, clinking your soda can against the bag.

As the game started, you realized something-you had walked into this night expecting nerves and stress, but with Sasha by your side, it already felt like a win.

The arena was electric, even through the screen. The team had been on a hot streak, but this game was crucial-it could push them into the top playoff spot.

"Okay, okay, good start," Sasha muttered as the first period began, her fingers already buried in the popcorn.

The opposing team came out aggressive, applying heavy pressure on defense. Your heart pounded as William, skating fast and sharp, intercepted a pass and sent the puck flying up the ice.

"Nice play," you breathed, clutching a pillow as if your grip alone could influence the game.

But by the middle of the first period, the other team struck first. A rebound off the goalie's pad landed perfectly on their forward's stick, and-bam. Goal.

Sasha groaned dramatically. "Ugh, I hate them."

You exhaled, trying to keep your nerves in check. "It's early. We've got time."