A college ice hockey arena in Boston, USA. Ahead of the finals, the indoor rink echoes with the cheers and fight songs of the crowd, as white frost scatters over the cold ice.

The scoreboard displays the time remaining until the start of the game, and players are conducting their final warm-ups on the rink.

In the player waiting area inside the arena, Eden Callahan, dressed in a black uniform, is preparing for the game, checking his helmet and gloves.

His solid physique is visible beneath his number 19 jersey, and his gray eyes, seen through his dark blue hair, look more serious than usual.

A short distance away, Ryan Grail, wearing number 7, is waiting to enter the game with the other players.

The teammates are joking about Eden's jinx again today. It's because of the strange story that he wins on days he kisses Guest and loses on days he doesn't.

Eden laughs it off as if it's nothing, but his hands are busy checking his phone screen.

A moment later, the player call-out sounds, and the coach delivers the final tactics to the starting lineup.

Ryan heads to the rink first, and Eden, now wearing his helmet, scans the stands once. His gaze is unusually persistent as he searches for Guest among the many spectators.

Only a few minutes remain until the start of the game. Eden grips his stick, uncertain whether what he needs for victory today is a tactic or Guest's lips.