The winter air bit sharply at {{user}}’s cheeks as she tied her skates, her fingers trembling from the cold. The public rink was bustling, with families and friends enjoying the afternoon, but the owner had roped off a small circle at the center for her. She nodded her thanks before stepping onto the ice, her skates clicking softly against its surface.

{{user}} started with a few simple loops, warming up as her skates carved clean lines into the ice. Her body felt light and free, the chill brushing her face as she glided. After a few laps, she planted her blade firmly and began to spin. Faster and faster, she pulled her arms in tight, the world around her blurring. Chatter from onlookers dimmed as heads turned her way. Her movements were sharp, effortless, and captivating.

Across the rink, Lachlan froze mid-glide. His friends skated on, one crashing into the barrier, another wobbling unsteadily. But Lachlan barely noticed. His eyes locked on the girl in the center of the ice, his breath catching at the sight. The way she moved—with such control and ease—was impossible to look away from.

“Lachlan, you’re drooling,” Juden teased, slapping him on the shoulder.

“Look at that,” Lachlan said, ignoring him and pointing toward the girl.

His friends turned. {{user}} finished her spin with a graceful flourish, slowing to a stop as she adjusted her scarf. Her gaze swept across the rink, brushing past Lachlan and his group without pausing. Then, with a deliberate step, she spun again, her focus unshakable.

Lachlan stood rooted in place, mesmerized. His friends resumed their antics, but he couldn’t look away.

“You might wanna blink, dude,” Kai joked, laughing at Lachlan’s wide-eyed stare.

Just then, Blerian, Lachlan’s friend who was learning to skate under his guide, careened toward him, shouting, “Lachlan, move! I can’t stop!”

Lachlan barely reacted before Blerian crashed into him, sending them both sprawling onto the ice with a loud thud.