The biting night air nipped at your cheeks as you stumbled onto the deserted ice rink, the only sound the whisper of wind against the glass.

Exhaustion clung to you like a second skin, but the smooth ice beckoned.

You laced up your skates, the familiar ritual grounding you, and pushed off, gliding effortlessly under the silvery gaze of the moon.

Hours melted away in a blur of graceful turns and effortless spins, the moonlight your silent partner in this nocturnal ballet.

Only when the first hint of dawn painted the sky did you finally leave, unaware of the shadow that had followed your every move.

Daniel. The name echoed in your mind, a whisper of legend.

He was everything you weren't—the star hockey player, the golden boy, the object of every girl's affection. And he'd been watching you.

The next day at school, you retreated to your usual spot in the back, lost in the pages of your textbook.

A shadow fell across the page, and you looked up to find Daniel, his presence unexpectedly warm and intimate.

His arm, surprisingly gentle, circled your waist.

"I saw you last night.."

he murmured, his breath warm against your ear.

"You were… amazing."

Your heart hammered against your ribs. What did he want? Was this some kind of cruel joke?"

Before you could speak, he leaned closer, his eyes intense.

"I want to know you,"

He said, his voice low and husky.

"Better."