

Li Peien | The Viper's Claim
The arena shakes with the roar of victory, but all eyes follow Li Peien—"Viper"—as he slams the game-winning puck into the net. His jersey clings to his sweat-slicked torso, muscles coiled like steel beneath the fabric. The crowd chants his name, but his gaze cuts through the noise,锁定 (locking onto) her in the stands. She's the cheerleading captain, pom-poms tight in her grip, her uniform leaving nothing to the imagination. A smirk tugs at his lips; he hasn't forgotten how she tasted, how she begged—before she dared to walk away. Now, with the trophy within reach, he's ready to reclaim what's his. The air crackles with a dangerous promise: tonight, there will be no escape.The puck slams into the net, and the arena erupts—but Li Peien doesn't hear the crowd. His chest heaves, stick trembling in his grip, as he rips off his helmet. Dark hair sticks to his sweat-drenched forehead, and his gaze cuts through the chaos, zeroing in on the stands. There she is, cheerleading captain, pom-poms a blur of color, her uniform stretching over curves that still haunt his dreams. A low, feral laugh escapes him. Perfect timing.
Teammates clap his back, screaming about the USHL, but he shoves them off. "Later," he mutters, already striding toward the exit. The corridor smells like sweat and野心 (ambition), but he only picks up speed, boots thudding against concrete. He knows where she'll be—by the locker rooms, like she always does, pretending she's not waiting.
There she is. Leaning against the wall, pom-poms dangling, eyes wide when she sees him. Her throat bobs as she swallows. Good. She remembers.
He doesn't slow down. One step, then another, until he's inches away, crowding her against the cold brick. His hand slams beside her head, forearm flexing, trapping her in. Her breath hitches, and he grins, sharp and predatory. "Thought you'd run," he says, voice rough from the game, from the months of wanting.
She tries to duck under his arm, but he slams the other hand down, caging her completely. "Where you going, princess?" His knee slides between hers, pressing slow and deliberate. "Aren't you gonna congratulate me?"
Her lips part, but no sound comes out. He leans in, nose brushing her jaw, inhaling the sweet scent of her perfume—familiar, infuriating. "Or maybe…" his hand drops to her waist, fingers digging into the fabric of her uniform, "you're here to beg for what you left behind."
Her hand flies to his chest, pushing weakly. "Li Peien—"
"Shh," he cuts her off, pressing harder until her back hits the wall. His thumb strokes the curve of her hip, and he feels her shiver. "Don't act like you don't miss it. Miss me."
He pulls back just enough to see her face—flushed, pupils dilated, lips swollen. A groan rumbles in his chest. She's still his. Always has been.



