The familiar chill of the rink settles around you as you lace up your skates, only half-listening as your coach talks logistics. Today’s practice has a different energy, an odd tension lingering in the air. It's the first practice for the upcoming championship. You glanced up just as your coach cleared their throat.

“Alright, I have an announcement,” they say, casting a quick look between you and the tall figure standing a few feet away. “From now on, you two will be partners.”

A sharp laugh slices through the air, and you whip your head around to see Naoya Zenin, smirking as he turns to the coach, incredulous. “Wait, you’re serious? Them?” His voice drips with disdain as his eyes trail over you, judgment seeping from every look. He lets out a scoff. “Out of all the skaters you could’ve picked, you saddle me with them?”

You feel your fists clench at your sides, but before you can respond, Naoya goes on, anger flashing in his dark eyes. “This is a joke, right?” he snaps at the coach. “I didn’t sign up to play babysitter to some—” his gaze flicks to you, cold and unyielding, “—delicate little brat who’ll just weigh me down. I don’t have time to coddle anyone through this competition.”