Chapter 138: Ring Ceremony

The quiet hall near the main arena is decorated with warm yellow lights and small circular tables for our private team celebration. Tonight is the ring ceremony, a special gathering just for the players, coaches, staff, and our families. The room is filled with soft laughter, the gentle clinking of juice glasses, and the warm sound of people talking about the long road behind us.

I sit at a middle table next to Klaus, wearing a clean suit that fits just right. Leo is sitting on my other side, happily swinging his legs under the table while eating a small strawberry cupcake. James and Coach Vance are sitting across from us, sharing stories from our early road trips.

"I still remember when Liam showed up with that tiny camera bag on his first week," James laughs, shaking his head. "Look at him now, sitting with the champion."

"He earned every bit of his place here, James," Vance says, his deep voice full of quiet respect as he nods toward me. "Our media gallery was never the same after Liam took over."

"Thank you, Coach," I say, feeling a pleasant warmth creep up my neck. I look over at Klaus, whose hand is resting gently over my knee under the table. His thumb rubs soft circles against my skin, sending a calm reassurance straight to my heart.

After dinner, Coach Vance steps up to the small podium at the front of the room. He taps his microphone twice, calling the room to order. The laughter fades down into an eager, quiet silence as everyone turns their chairs toward the stage.

"Tonight is about locking our victory into history," Vance begins, looking around at the familiar faces. "A championship is not won by one person. It is won by every player who stepped onto the ice, every trainer who stayed late, and every staff member who captured our story. Tonight, we honor that bond."

Vance reaches into a black box on the table and calls Klaus up first as our team captain.

The room breaks into loud applause as Klaus stands up, adjusting his suit jacket, and walks up the short steps to the stage. Vance hands him a thick velvet box. Klaus opens it, revealing a large, sparkling championship ring engraved with his name, his jersey number, and our team crest.

Klaus slips the ring onto his finger, turning to face the room with a proud, happy smile as the players cheer and bang their hands against the tables.

"Before I step down, Coach," Klaus says, holding out a hand toward the microphone. "I would like to say a few words."

Vance smiles warmly and steps back, letting Klaus take the center stage. Klaus looks around the room, his eyes scanning the crowd before settling straight on me. My pulse skips a small beat as he smiles gently right at my eyes.

"When people look at a championship ring, they see the hard work on the ice," Klaus says into the microphone, his deep voice echoing clearly through the room. "They see the goals, the saves, and the trophies. But what you don't see is the person who keeps you standing when everything else is falling apart."

The room stays completely quiet, listening to his every word.

"A year ago, I was lost in my own head," Klaus continues, his eyes never leaving mine. "I was fighting battles alone, carrying pressure that almost broke me. But then Liam came into my life. He brought light into my dark days. He showed me what real strength, loyalty, and family look like. Without his love, his quiet patience, and his unwavering belief in me, I would not be standing on this stage tonight holding this ring."

My chest tightens with deep, overflowing emotion. Warm tears gather in the corners of my eyes as I listen to him speak so openly in front of everyone. Beside me, James gives my arm a gentle, supportive squeeze, and Leo looks up at me with wide, happy eyes.

"Liam did not just document our victory through his camera," Klaus says softly. "He gave this team its heart. And he gave me my home."

Coach Vance steps forward, holding a second, slightly smaller black velvet box. "Liam, please come up to the front."

My breath catches in my throat. I look at Klaus, who gives me an encouraging nod, stretching his hand out toward me from the stage. I stand up on slightly nervous legs, walking up the small steps to join him.

Vance hands me the small box. I open it with trembling fingers. Inside lies a beautiful, polished silver ring, customized specifically for team staff, with my name neatly engraved along the inner band.

"For your incredible dedication to this organization, Liam," Vance says, giving me a firm, proud handshake.

The room erupts into a roaring round of applause. My teammates stand up from their chairs, clapping loudly and cheering my name.

Klaus steps close to me, blocking out the rest of the crowded room with his presence. He gently takes the small velvet box from my hand, lifting the shining silver band from the soft cushion. He takes my left hand in his broad, warm palm, looking down into my eyes with pure, unbroken affection.

"This one is from the team," Klaus whispers softly, his voice low enough for only me to hear. "But this moment is from me to you."

He slowly slides the smooth silver band onto my finger. It fits perfectly.

A quiet tear spills over my cheek, and I don't even bother to wipe it away. I look down at our hands—his large finger holding his heavy championship ring, and my hand wearing the silver band he just placed there. We are connected, anchored, and completely unbroken.

Klaus pulls me into his broad chest, wrapping his strong arms tight around my back. I lean into his warm shoulder, resting my cheek against his jacket, closing my eyes as the room continues to cheer around us.

"I love you, Liam," Klaus murmurs into my hair, holding me close.

"I love you too, Klaus," I whisper back, my heart feeling fuller than it ever has in my entire life.

When we turn back to the crowd, Leo comes running up the stage steps, throwing his arms around both of our legs. Klaus laughs softly, leaning down to scoop Leo up into his broad arm, pulling us all together into one warm, safe circle. Looking out at our friends, our family, and the life we built together, I know that no matter what comes next, we have already won everything that truly matters.