L*ck Me If You Can-Chapter 81

Ashley asked with a frown. Koi silently held it out and waited. Ashley looked at it with clear skepticism but eventually accepted it, albeit reluctantly.

When he opened what he held, it turned out to be a small, folded two-dollar bill. Koi always carried it with him. It looked so old—creased, worn down, and nearly falling apart.

Ashley stared at it for a moment, then handed it back to Koi.

“I have two dollars too.”

The idea that Koi would give away what was clearly his lucky bill—something he’d likely treasured for years—just to help win a homecoming game seemed absurd. But instead of taking it back, Koi clasped his hands behind his back and said,

“You don’t have this two dollars.”

A small, almost painful smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. Ashley realized Koi was trying, in his own way, to lighten the mood. That effort helped soothe Ashley’s wrecked feelings, and he couldn’t help but chuckle. When Koi let out a relieved sigh, Ashley offered the bill back again.

“It’s okay. This means something to you.”

Koi nearly teared up at his kind words, but he held it back, smiled, and gently pushed Ashley’s hand away.

“I already got my wish.”

“Wish?”

“Yeah,” Koi nodded. “I met you.”

Ashley looked down at him, speechless. Koi struggled to hold onto his smile as his voice trembled slightly.

“So it’s only right you have it. You’re the one who made it come true.”

Ashley still didn’t say anything. This time, he just looked dazed—like he’d been struck. Koi had no way of knowing why, and honestly, it didn’t matter. As long as Ashley could be happy.

“I hope you win and get everything you want.”

Koi beamed at him. Ashley said nothing, just kept looking at him. The two stood there, facing each other. There was so much to say, but no words came. Both of them were too overwhelmed in different ways to speak.

“Well then.”

Koi was the first to break the silence.

“I’ll go now.”

He turned around and headed back toward the dugout. The second period was almost over. And his part was done.

As expected, everyone was gathered in the dugout—including Ariel. The vice-captain was the first to spot him.

“Hey, Koi. Just in time! We were about to come look for you.”

Koi smiled awkwardly and gave a quiet, “Yeah.” Ariel turned to him and smiled sweetly. Koi smiled back. For some reason, he felt light, unburdened. The horn sounded, marking the end of the second period, and they stepped onto the ice right on cue.

*

“Hey, Ash.”

“Ash, how are you feeling? You okay?”

The hockey team guys, who had been watching the cheerleading routine from the dugout, greeted Ashley warmly when he showed up. As rowdy as ever—but this time, there was a hint of concern in their voices. Ashley scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed.

“I’m good now. Sorry.”

“Oh, that’s a relief.”

“Yeah, we’re good then.”

“There’s still the third period! No problem!”

They each patted Ashley’s back and arms as they spoke. Ashley clapped shoulders and returned the gestures as he moved toward his spot.

The cheerleading team was still in the middle of their performance. But Ashley immediately spotted Koi. His grip on his hockey stick tightened instinctively.

Win and get what you want.

Of course, Koi.

He had almost let petty jealousy ruin everything. Get a grip, Ashley Dominique Miller. He slapped himself hard across the cheek, then pulled on his gloves and began prepping for the final period. His eyes burned with a fierceness that hadn’t been there before.

*

Once the cheerleading routine ended, Koi rushed back into the dugout, just like before. He was out of breath but not nearly as much as earlier. It was his second time, after all, and this time he’d had a chance to get his emotions in order. He truly wanted Ashley to win the game. That’s why he had given him his most precious treasure—and he didn’t regret it, not even a little.

Ash and Elle—both of them are important to me. It’s okay.

Koi prepared himself mentally. When the game ended, Ash would run to Elle first. Just like he expected.

Sure enough, when the third period started, Ashley’s game transformed completely. Sharper and fiercer than in the first period, he immediately fired up the crowd with his performance. The cheer team shouted and pumped their fists in the air, chanting “Buffalo!” with wild excitement.

Koi watched anxiously, caught in the crowd. Ashley got caught between two defenders, the puck trapped.

Break free, Ash!

Koi held his breath, silently urging him on. Ashley spun around as if to dodge, then suddenly shoved one of them hard. The defender, caught off guard, staggered back—and Ashley didn’t miss the chance. He shot the puck. Bill, waiting, picked it up and passed again. The crowd erupted.

The net rippled as the puck slammed inside. The score climbed again. It was their third consecutive goal—and the entire rink exploded.

“We’re gonna win! We’re really gonna win!”

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One of the cheerleaders screamed in excitement, and the others shouted along.

“Of course we’ll win! We’ve been cheering our hearts out!”

“Yeah! Our team’s unstoppable!”

“Buffalo, Buffalo!”

“Wooooooo!”

Even Ariel screamed and swung her arms wildly. There wasn’t much time left. The other team had caught up during the second period, so the score was still tight. They knew it too—no one was giving up.

“Graaahhh!”

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

The guy who had fought with Ashley earlier roared and sprinted after the puck. Ashley followed, and it became a one-on-one. The guy sneered, deliberately weaving his body to provoke him.

“Featherweight. That supposed to be a punch?”

Compared to before, it was barely a taunt. Ashley grinned.

“Who was it bleeding from the nose after that feather punch again?”

“You just got lucky.”

“Yeah, lucky enough to get paired with a wimp like you.”

“What did you say, you little—!”

Just as he was about to curse, Ashley snatched the puck and darted off.

“And you’re dumb on top of it!”

“You son of a bitch!”

Fuming, the guy took off after him. More defenders blocked the way, but Ashley swerved aside with lightning reflexes.

“Bill!”

“Got it!”

Bill caught the puck cleanly and took off. Time was running out. # Nоvеlight # This was the final push. If they didn’t score, it would go into overtime—and whoever scored first in overtime would win.

It wasn’t that Ashley feared the risk. He just couldn’t stand the idea of a longer match.

This is it. The last one. He gave it everything he had.

“Rrrgh...!”

A defender lunged at him, but couldn’t catch up, and ended up slamming into the boards.

The goalie was right ahead—the one praised as the best last season. He had already blocked plenty of Buffalo’s shots tonight.

Tensing every muscle, the goalie tracked the puck with laser focus. His net looked completely sealed. Even Bill hesitated under the pressure.

Just then, another defender cut off Bill. As the puck was about to be stolen, Ashley burst in.

“Ah!”

“Whoa!”

Shouts erupted. The puck slipped across the ice, all eyes snapping toward it. The goalie dove—and blocked it. A collective groan of frustration and relief rose from the stands. But before anyone could react, Ashley swung again.

Crack. A sharp sound rang out. The goalie flinched and reached out, but the puck flew past—dark and flat, floating through the air. Three seconds. Two.

“Wooooooaaaaaahhhhh!”

The net bulged. The horn blared. Game over. The crowd jumped to their feet as “Stars and Stripes Forever” boomed from the speakers.

“Hell yeah! Ash!”

“We won! We did it!”

The hockey players erupted, grabbing each other and screaming. The cheerleaders clapped and screamed along. Amid them, Koi glanced at Ariel’s back—then looked toward Ashley again.

Goodbye, Ash.

I really liked you.

His nose tingled. He sniffled softly. And when he looked up again, he saw Ashley sprinting across the ice—heading straight for them.

He’s going to confess to Ariel.

Of course he was. Everyone thought the same. Seeing Ashley grinning so brightly, Koi braced himself. Soon, he’d confess to Ariel. Ask to get back together. Maybe even kiss her.

When he does, I’ll just say congratulations.

Koi readied himself for it. Ashley was running full speed. Then, instead of stopping at the dugout, he planted a hand on the boards and vaulted straight over them.

Huh?

He wasn’t going toward Ariel. She was on the other side. Koi turned his head, confused—just in time to see Ashley rush up and pull him into a hug.

Wait—what?

Koi’s eyes flew wide. Ashley released him, cupped his face, and before Koi could even think, their lips met.

It wasn’t just Koi who froze—everyone around them stared in shock. Ashley pressed his lips hard, then pulled back, cheeks flushed red.

“I like you, Koi. Be my boyfriend.”

Koi stood frozen in place. No one said a word. But Ashley didn’t care about any of that. The only thing that mattered was Koi’s answer.

All around them, the crowd noise and music from the bleachers thundered on.