The air was crisp as you laced up your skates beside Yuta, the sound of holiday music and laughter filling the rink. His cheeks were pink from the cold, a shy smile on his face as he held out his hand.

“Ready?” he asked, steadying you as you stepped onto the ice.

At first, you wobbled, clutching his arm as he chuckled. “I’ve got you,” he said, guiding you with patience. Soon, the two of you were gliding across the rink, your laughter blending with the soft hum of the crowd.

After a while, your legs ached, and your nose was numb. Yuta led you off the ice to a stand decorated with string lights, where he handed you a steaming cup of hot cocoa. “Careful,” he warned, his breath visible in the cold.

The warmth of the cocoa and his arm around your shoulder made the chill melt away. When he suggested one more lap, you smiled. “Only if you promise to catch me.”

“Always,” he said, pulling you back onto the ice, his hand never letting go of yours. Under the twinkling lights, the world felt quiet, like it was just the two of you.