Eric relishes playing against Toronto because he despises their star forward, Dallas Kent—a talented but anti-gay player who uses slurs and posts offensive jokes online. The game also unfolds against a backdrop of team support for Scott and visible queer-positive crowd presence, which Eric notices and finds encouraging. During play, Kent bumps into Eric after a save, knocking him into the crossbar. Scott intervenes aggressively, nearly provoking Kent into uttering a slur before a referee separates them. A late shot sails toward the net but hits the goalpost, and Eric momentarily distracted by thoughts of Kyle, forces himself to refocus to help secure a New York victory.

That night in his hotel room, Eric receives a text from Kyle saying that he found a potential date for Eric, which Eric responds to with reluctance, and suggests practicing flirting via text role-play. Kyle plays a character named Neil, and when Eric successfully suggests dinner, the exchange begins to mirror him asking Kyle himself on a date, revealing his preference for connection over casual sex. Eric then reveals he came out to Scott and proposes meeting Kyle for dinner Thursday night. Kyle asks if he means actual dinner or sex. Eric says they will start with dinner, and Kyle responds suggestively about what might follow.

Thursday evening, Kyle arrives at Eric’s townhouse with ingredients for a non-alcoholic mojito while Eric makes shakshuka. Kyle reveals his true passion is bartending and hospitality rather than academia, and Eric surprises him with genuine support.

As they eat, Eric broaches the subject of sex, stating he is not ready for penetration. Kyle reassures him that consent is ongoing and they can do whatever he is comfortable with. After dinner they move to Eric’s bedroom, where Kyle kisses Eric, then instructs him to undress and wait on the bed.

Kyle then undresses as well and begins directing Eric, taking a guiding role in the encounter. He touches Eric’s hockey bruises gently and kisses his surgical scars, which Eric finds unexpectedly intimate. At Eric’s request, Kyle guides him through performing oral sex for the first time, then Kyle performs oral sex on Eric while gradually introducing anal stimulation, overwhelming Eric with an intense orgasm. Afterward, Kyle finishes himself while straddling Eric, climaxing on Eric’s chest at Eric’s urging, then Kyle dresses to leave. Before going, he mentions he will keep looking for potential dates—a reminder that jolts Eric back to reality. Despite his disappointment, Eric invites Kyle to his Saturday game, and Kyle agrees to attend.

Kyle attends the Admirals’ Saturday game with Kip Grady, feeling unusually anxious watching Eric play. The Admirals lead two to zero in the third period, and when New Jersey pulls its goalie in the final minute, Eric makes several spectacular saves to secure a shutout. Kyle cheers wildly.

After the game, Kip reveals that Scott told him Eric is bisexual and came out to Kyle first. Kyle downplays it. Eric then texts asking if Kyle is free that evening, and they quickly arrange to meet at his house.

Riding high after the win, Eric places lubricant on his nightstand. When Kyle arrives, they immediately kiss; Kyle pins Eric’s wrists against a wall, and Eric is thrilled by the vulnerability. Kyle says he wants to teach Eric about edging. In the bedroom, Kyle initially remains clothed while Eric is naked, maintaining control before gradually undressing. He repeatedly brings Eric to the edge of orgasm before finally allowing Eric an intense climax. Afterward, Eric does the same for Kyle, becoming aware of how strongly he is beginning to feel for Kyle and recognizing the risk of emotional attachment. Before leaving, Kyle agrees to visit the art gallery, asking for empanadas afterward.

Eric takes Kyle to his friend Jeanette’s art gallery, repeatedly reminding himself this is not a date. Jeanette notes that Eric has never brought a friend before, giving him a knowing look. Kyle is captivated by the painting Eric purchased. Afterward they get empanadas, then coffee, and walk along the High Line, where Eric discusses his amicable but passionless divorce and admits he cares what people think—unless he were truly in love.

When Eric asks about Kyle’s family, Kyle decides to reveal his past: At 18, he had a relationship with his married boss, Ian. When Ian’s wife discovered the relationship, explicit photos and videos surfaced, creating a town-wide scandal that prompted Kyle’s parents to urge him to leave. Kyle expects Eric to be disgusted, but Eric insists Kyle was a vulnerable teenager taken advantage of by an authority figure. When Kyle asks whether people should only date within their age group, Eric grimaces and says it is probably best, which stings.

Eric hugs Kyle but remains quiet and withdrawn afterward, then abruptly announces he should go home. At the subway station they discover their trains go in opposite directions and part awkwardly without kissing. Standing on separate platforms, Kyle watches Eric until a train blocks his view, wondering if he will ever hear from him again.