NHL Imagines

Sebastian Aho

I grab the disk out of the slot, sliding it carefully into a paper folder.
I draw a division sign and underneath it write 'Ed Sheeran.'
I slip on my coat and shoes like usual, grabbing my purse and the CD.
After I lock the door behind me I walk to apartment 08 and kneel down, sliding the folder with the disk inside.
I smile at the tradition we have.
It started when my neighbor got sick of me blasting music- apparently he didn't like my choice of music.
He likes it better now, I assume because he gives me suggestions of what to listen to.
He slips CDs under my door, I listen to them, I slip CDs under his door, he listens to them, and then the cycle repeats.
I don't know much about him except the fact that he likes soft music and he's cute.
I've only seen him two times- he's gone a lot, and his work hours are weird whereas I work the average eight hour workday.
I get through the workday, not really thinking of my cute neighbor until I'm walking into my apartment building.
I unlock the door to my apartment eagerly and open it slowly, noticing the CD container laying on the hardwood floor.
I pick it up, closing the door behind me.
I like to look up the artist before listening to it.
I know it's kind of cheating, but I like to know what type of mood the CD will put me in.
If I'm in a happy mood I don't want to listen to a sad album- and I don't want to take a relaxing bath and have metallic on.
This one's an indie album, so I run myself a bath and start to play it.
It's blissful.
Just like I imagine him to be.
~~~
My heels are muffled on the stained carpet flooring of the apartment hallway, which is probably why he didn't hear me.
I smile as I see my neighbor kneeled over in front of my apartment door, slipping the album under my door.
"I really liked the last one," I speak up.
He turns around, a surprised look of being caught on his face.
I start to giggle because his expression is hilariously guilty.
It's like when you get caught toilet papering someone's house or ding-dong-ditching.
He smiles sheepishly at me.
"Did you?" He rubs the back of his neck shyly.
I nod, adjusting my position to make the bags in my arms lighter.
"I really liked the second song, um, what was it?" I question.
I walk towards him slowly and he awkwardly steps to the side.
I give him an assuring smile as I unlock the door and push it open.
He follows me like a puppy as I walk into the kitchen and bends down to pick the CD off of the floor for me.
He closes the door behind us and watches as I start to put groceries away.
"Summer," he answers, gazing around my apartment curiously. His eyes land on my packed CD rack and he chuckles. "I like your collection."
I follow his gaze and laugh as well. "It's a little crowded."
"A little," he agrees.
"But keep giving me CDs, I really like it," I give him a supportive smile. "Oh, I'm Y/N by the way."
"I'm Sebastian."
"Nice to meet you Sebastian."
~~~
We continue to exchange CDs over the next few weeks and even exchange phone numbers through writing on the folders.
I saw him a few times after and I always smiled and said hello, but he always looked like he was in a hurry so he left quickly.
After a long, exhausting day at work all I want is to eat some pizza rolls and take a nap.
I open the door, focused on the refrigerator next when I kick the CD at my feet.
I look down surprised, too focused on my plan to remember the CD tradition.
I pick it up, noticing more scrawled writing than normal on the front.
A playlist I made especially for you
I smile adoringly.
His adorableness makes up for his shyness.
I open it to see the titles of the songs and my eyes widen.
Will you
Go
Out
With me
I smile excitedly and squeal.
"Yes," I cheer, fist bumping.
"Okay," I hear Sebastian yell from next door.
I cover my mouth in embarrassment, not realizing how loud I'm being.
I smile anyways, glad something as normal as CDs could bring an odd pair like us together.