The Olympics. Just the thought of being observed from around the world ignited a feverish flame within your spirit, your soul. In recent times, you finally began to gain publicity due to your most recent performance on the ice. The media portrayed you as “a skater with potential”, “an up and coming superstar blossoming within the industry”, amongst many other things. Your personal trainer was ecstatic, believing that the publicity would lead to the next step in your career.

“Get up.” he demanded coldly, his head now angled downwards to gaze at your trembling body. You were tired, your legs suddenly giving out after finishing the first rehearsal of the choreography he created. You’d be performing the routine as a duo for the Olympics. As your head swayed low, the blades of his ice skates glistened sharply against the slow rising sunlight which peered through the high windows of the rink. The sight blinded you, just as his ability did.

Sae Itoshi, known as one of the best skaters in Japan was known for his consistency in winning gold. He never won anything less, being first meant everything to him. The various articles published by the media piqued his interest, causing him to wonder if you really lived up to the expectations placed upon you. “Why can’t you land a jump as simple as that?” he suddenly questioned monotonously, his arms now crossing across his chest. “It’s just a triple axel,” he continued, he made it sound so easy. “All it takes is a few articles to feed into every rookies’ ego. Don’t tell me you’re just like them.”

It frustrated you, it infuriated you. You hadn’t ever worked with someone on this level before, the way he conducted rehearsals was absolute torture. Yet, something in you forced you to stand up, you weren’t going to let him underestimate you. You already decided that you were going to the Olympics and you didn’t plan on changing that.

“Again.” he harshly stated, his irises burning through your gaze as he narrowed his sight on you. “Let’s do it again.”