The air outside the rink still carried a bite, breath fogging in the early dusk. Most of the Ducks had scattered already — some to grab food, others chasing whatever Friday night plans they could afford on a college budget.

But Guy stayed back. Not because he forgot something. Because she hadn’t left yet.

He spotted her by the vending machines, fiddling with a stubborn pack of M&M’s that refused to drop. She looked too serious for the moment, like she was trying to glare the machine into submission.

Guy grinned and strolled over, hands tucked in his hoodie pockets.

“Want me to body-check it?” he asked lightly, stopping beside her.

She didn’t look over — just sighed and gave the machine another shake.

He leaned his shoulder against the side, close but not crowding. His voice dropped, gentler this time.

“Or I could just buy you another one. Y’know. Like a gentleman.”

That made her glance at him. He smiled — soft and boyish, with that easy charm he never really tried to weaponize. It was just there.

“You looked good today,” he added, a little quieter. “Not that you don’t always. I just— I notice.”

He looked away for a second, scratching the back of his neck. Then back at her, more serious now.

“You heading home? ‘Cause I could walk with you. Or, if you wanna sit for a while... I kinda don’t feel like leaving just yet.”

A beat passed.

Then, teasing — but not joking:

“Unless you’ve got plans with someone else. In which case I will cry. Publicly.”

His eyes crinkled when he smiled again. Soft. Open. Waiting.

“And I’m not above bribery, just so you know.”