6

“Did Dre text you back?”

“Is he going to let us take him out?”

“No, Jay, he has finals.He can’t get drunk.”

“Stop being a buzzkill, Bryan it’s fine!”

“He’s been down in the dumps, he needs this!”

“Did he tell you that? really?”

“Yeah.. he texted Austin and me—“

Dylan is not eavesdropping….he’s not…but these guys clearly know something and now that Dylan has confirmed something is wrong his knee bounces uncontrollably.

He needs to know he doesn’t know why he needs to know. but he does one of the guys that ran off to get concessions comes back with five drinks balanced between his arms and a bucket of popcorn.

When he almost drops it, Dylan is quick to hold the bucket steady with a warm smile.

"I’m sorry— wait… do I know you from somewhere?”

Unsure, but pretty positive he doesn’t, Dylan shrugs, “nope. just didn't want to wear your popcorn.”the guy clicks his tongue before his face lights up in recognition.

“ Ah! you were the guy that has my brother’s name and number painted on the back of a jacket. I saw you at the beginning of the season.”

Why he could’ve chose any fucking player. why did he have to choose Andre and why does he have to keep feeling so embarrassed.

“oh yeah, i uh…lost a bet so—“

“Grant get over here and quit flirting.”

“I’m not flirting!” he, Grant, bites back. facing Dylan again “well bet or not. you chose the right guy to support. My brother's gonna be famous in a year. have him sign your jacket now, im telling you, it’ll be worth loads!” he’s laughing and taking his seat, meanwhile

Dylan is going absolutely insane the first period starts and he knows the gist of it he watches the puck fly back and forth between players.

It never occurred to him how much skill has to be involved.

It's hard for him, as a spectator sitting still to keep an eye on it let alone for players gliding on the ice trying to keep track of the play in motion and mentally think a few plays ahead.

it’s…kind of amazing.

Andre moves around like the ice is his playground, with the other team hardly able to staynon his tail. Then he passes the puck into a perfect pocket where Daniel is waiting to score.

The game continues… and it happens again.

Andre gliding around untouchably. securing Daniel a golden shot on the net.

Scoring this time it’s not so easy, but Andre fights to recover the puck, literally he slams another player into the glass so hard it makes’Dylan’s ears ring and Dylan’s breath gets lodged in his throat because it never occured to him how Andre, who is tall and thin and toned— could be so fucking strong.

Dylan’s fists clench at his thighs as he watches the struggle of two opposing players versus one Andre, for control over the puck.

The entire crowd is standing up because he’s off–racing down the side and the crowd cheers are unreal.

Dylan hears the short guy with pink hair next to him scream something about Andre and Daniel about to pull off a hat trick.

Then the little light above the net goes off and Dylan could swear the rattling of their fans cheering could set off movement on any seismic wave detectors.

He makes sure to listen closely apparently a hat trick doesn’t happen often and it’s super impressive how Andre and Daniel work together. then the taller guy with soft hair and dimples says that they’re going to get drafted together as a unit no doubt Dylan is proud.

And he wants badly to cheer and yell like everyone else but he doesn’t feel like he has that right. because Andre clearly wants nothing to do with him and how fair is it to cheer for Daniel when his eyes haven’t left number seven the entire game.

“We're taking him out! you hear me?!” they’re all laughing and clinging to each other as they leave the stands.

“fuck yeah we are! he kicked ass! we have to get Daniel to go too. They both deserve beers!”

“We're treating future NHL stars to alcohol tonight boys!”

Dylan is barely paying attention to anything other than lingering close enough to hear them talk more. They're all waiting outside where the players will leave the locker rooms.

He tries to busy himself with his phone. not so obvious ..he wonders what it’s like to have that many people love you and cheer you on in every way.

It makes him smile but he bites on his lip to keep it at bay.

Of course Andre has a crowd of people who love him thats just the kind of person he is.

Then the players are filtering out one by one and Dylan is looking for Daniel

He is… but…he nearly stops breathing when Andre comes out jeans and a fitted t-shirt over his body hair damp clearly from a quick shower.

His gaze flits all over the room, but when it lands on Dylan, his eyes are dark …so dark.

Thank god Daniel runs up to him when he does, because Dylan was seconds from melting into the ground right there. what the fuck was that look about.

“damn, you look really good in this.” Daniel tugs at the jersey before pressing a soft kiss to his lips “thanks for coming baby. we played one of the best games of our lives tonight.”

"I saw! hat trick and all.” he winks grateful for the noisy men he sat next to. then the one who referred to himself as Andre’s brother is walking up slowly,

“hey man. it’s so good to see you”

“Grant! What’s up!” the two hug and Yoongi ruffles Daniel’s hair. He realizes quickly just how far back Andre and Daniel really go.

When the invite to join them at the bar is given.

Dylan tenses at Daniel ’s side.

He deserves to celebrate and catch up with his friends but so does Andre and Dylan knows that if he’s there, for some reason, Andre won’t be able to enjoy himself.

So he gives Daniel a warm hug when the other faces him again, “I really have to study for my final. I’m so stressed about not passing it. I’ve never struggled like this in a class before.” Daniel frowns but squeezes Dylan’s side in understanding “go get your study on, then.” Dylan has never rushed to get back to his dorm so quickly in his life. He feels like he’s suffocating.