Fans tuning into HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry Episode 3, expecting to follow the next chapter of Shane and Ilya’s fiery romance, were instead met with an unexpected twist, a spotlight on Scott Hunter’s equally exciting love story with the grad-school smoothie barista Kip.HBO Max's gay romance series is based on the second installment in Rachel Reid's Game Changers book series. Reid’s Game Changers consists of six standalone novels, all set within the same fictional hockey universe, but each one centers on a different couple’s story.While Shane and Ilya are the charming protagonists of Heated Rivalry, Scott Hunter and Kip are the leads of Reid's Book 1 Game Changer. Scott Hunter may remain in the background in Book 2 but his presence and the subtle development of his character play a crucial role in shaping Shane and Ilya’s journey. His quiet struggles and the tension surrounding his closeted identity add emotional layers to the universe, influencing the dynamics around the main couple.More on Heated Rivalry Episode 3 in our story.*Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Rachel Reid's Game Changers book series. Readers' discretion is advised.*Who is Scott Hunter in Heated Rivalry? View this post on Instagram Instagram PostHeated Rivalry Episode 3 expanded on the backstory of the intense New York Admirals' hockey player Scott Hunter. While new viewers were worried that Hunter might become a problem for Shane and Ilya's passionate and secret fling, the latest chapter revealed that Hunter is himself a closeted gay hockey player, who is terrified about his sexuality and fears coming out in front of the world and his team.Hunter's telling 'your boy' remark, awkward exchanges with Shane and suspicious glances at Shane and Ilya's secretive moments on the ring might have fooled new viewers but seasoned Rachel Reid fans knew what was coming.Heated Rivalry Episode 3 featured a flashback about Scott Hunter's life and his charming meet-cute with Kip Brady, the smoothie barista at Straw+berry. While Shane and Ilya's romance was fleeting and casual, Scott straightaway confessed his love for Kip and asked him to move in the morning after they shared an intimate night.However, the reality of his profession eventually hits Scott and the couple starts to experience problems. In an interview with TV Guide, star François Arnaud (Hunter) breaks down Scott Hunter's dilemma:''For definitely the first half of the episode, he feels so emotionally available to this [relationship]. He thinks he can just have this double life and that that's enough for now , and he doesn't understand the toll that it will take on Kip to do that.''He added:''But I think that's what's heart-wrenching at the end for me, because he wants to be ready but he understands he's not ready. He has to let the person he loves go because he loves him — and he does.''Heated Rivary: Exploring Scott Hunter's importance in Rachel Reid's fictional hockey universe View this post on Instagram Instagram PostIn a landscape where book lovers often feel that TV adaptations butcher their beloved books, Rachel Reid fans are praising Jacob Tierney's take on the author's fictional universe. While Heated Rivalry exclusively adapts Book 2 and Shane & Ilya's love story, Episode 3 suggests that Tierney is also expanding on the larger universe in Reid's Game Changers.Hunter might feel insignificant to new viewers for now, but he plays an important part in Shane and Ilya's love story, eventually becoming the reason they confess their love to one another. While Scott, Ilya and Shane are currently struggling to strike a balance between their sexuality and professions, the former emerges as a surprising role model for the main couple when he publicly kisses Kip after winning the Stanley Cup in Reid's book.Heated Rivalry series will likely feature this historic moment in upcoming episodes as it is the true beginning of Shane and Ilya's relationship. Thanks to Scott Hunter's courage and game-changing move, Shane and Ilya start to explore the possibilities of a genuine relationship, one that is shared in public and not behind closed doors or locker rooms.Now that Heated Rivalry Episode 3 has laid the groundwork for Scott's relationship with Kip, his upcoming bold move will come with a lot of context and fans, much like Ilya and Shane, will be able to relate to his character. While Scott Hunter and Kip's love story runs tangentially to Shane and Ilya's, it is still important and holds a defining moment for the couple.Heated Rivalry releases weekly episodes on HBO Max every Friday.For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.