Microwave Silence

This is the first part of something that made me feel… a little embarrassed.I was with one of my friends — she’s really good-looking — and we met someone new together.At first, everything felt normal. But slowly, I started to notice something.That person talked more to her. Laughed more with her. And naturally… they just seemed to get closer.And I was there too. But somehow, I felt left out.I didn’t know if I was overthinking it. But I couldn’t stop wondering — was it just about personality… or did looks play a role in who she chose to connect with?I’m still not sure. But this is where that question started.

I started reading Heated Rivalry thinking it was just a story.And now I'm emotionally invested in fictional hockey players.So this episode is basically me trying to figure out how that happened.We talk about Shane, Ilya, rivalry, masculinity in hockey culture, and why this story somehow gets people completely hooked.Also... I may have accidentally gotten into hockey.