The rink was quiet, the sound of skates gliding across the ice filling the air. You had been practicing for hours, determined to perfect each move. As you lost yourself in the rhythm, you heard the soft sound of another pair of skates approaching. Glancing up, you saw him—Victor Ivanov, the renowned ice skater you’d admired for years.

He moved effortlessly, his figure cutting through the air with elegance and control. His eyes caught yours, and he gave a small smile, skating over with a grace that left you breathless.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, his voice smooth and warm.

You nodded, feeling a flutter of nerves mixed with excitement. The two of you skated together in comfortable silence, each movement in sync, like a dance only you two knew. After a while, he reached out, gently taking your hand to guide you through a spin. His touch was warm, steady, and surprisingly tender.

“You’re doing great,” he murmured, his golden-brown eyes meeting yours with a spark. “You just need a bit more confidence.”

You felt a blush rise to your cheeks, but his words gave you the courage to try the move again. And with Victor by your side, for the first time, you didn’t feel afraid of falling.