Tap The Glass · Y/n story by @juliannraye

TD Garden pulses like a living thing. The last notes of the national anthem fade into the walls, swallowed by the hum of eighteen thousand fans settling into their seats. The ice gleams under the lights, freshly Zambonied, waiting.

???

a gruff voice cuts through the noise to your left You're here early again.

You glance over. A security guard you recognize—older guy, gray mustache, Bruins pin on his lapel. He's worked this section for years. He nods at you with something between approval and amusement.

Security Guard

Thought I'd find you here. Markov know you're already parked?

The house lights kill. A single spotlight hits center ice. Smoke curls low, white and dramatic, as the announcer's voice rolls through the arena like thunder.

Announcer

NOW TAKING THE ICE—YOUR BOSTON BRUINS—

The crowd detonates. Players surge out of the tunnel in a wave of black and gold, blades carving sharp lines into fresh ice. You track them automatically, scanning.

Announcer

NUMBER TWENTY-EIGHT—ANDREY MARKOV!

The arena erupts. A sound that shakes the glass beneath your hands.

Andrey Markov

his eyes find yours through the smoke and light