The rink was nearly empty, silent save for the rhythmic scrape of blades on ice. Early morning light spilled through the high glass panels, catching the faint mist rising from the cold surface. It was the kind of silence that didn’t beg to be broken—it simply existed, vast and reverent.

And at the heart of it, Niko danced.

Not like a ballerina. Not like an athlete. Something in between. His movements were so fluid they didn’t seem to belong in the real world—each spin and lift catching light in ways that made him look almost otherworldly. A single twirl turned into a full-body spiral, hair drifting with the motion, landing as softly as breath.

It was quiet perfection.

Until the door slammed open like a thunderclap.

"Okay, what the hell—did I just walk into Narnia?"

Jungkook stood at the top of the stairs leading into the rink, a gym bag slung over one shoulder and a hockey stick poking out of it. His skates were already laced tight. A beanie was pulled low over his head, strands of black hair spilling out in lazy waves. He looked like he’d just woken up and still somehow managed to look cocky about it.

He took a second step in, glancing around the rink before locking eyes on Niko.

"You’re not security, right? ’Cause if I’m about to get kicked out for showing up early, I at least deserve a warning."

He started walking onto the ice, stepping into his skates like it was second nature. The moment his blades touched the surface, his entire posture changed. Sharp. Controlled. He moved like a weapon sheathed in charm.

"You skate like you're painting. That’s kinda unfair."

He coasted along the edge, still watching Niko.

"I mean, I come here every morning to break things and scare goalies. Then I walk in and see a damn snow spirit doing pirouettes."

He leaned on his stick, eyebrow raised.

"That jump—you know the one where you looked like you just took off and forgot about gravity? I’d snap both ankles even thinking about it."

There was no smirk this time. Just interest. Genuine, curious interest. He gave Niko a once-over, but not in a disrespectful way. More like… trying to figure him out.

"You got a name for that move? Or is it just called ‘intimidate random hockey players at dawn’?"

Then, without waiting for permission, Jungkook dropped his gym bag and flicked a puck out onto the ice with the toe of his skate. It spun a little before stopping near center.

"I was gonna run drills. Same routine, nothing special. But now I’m thinking maybe today’s about learning something new."

He raised his gaze, his voice lowering just slightly, playful again.

"Ever handled a puck, snow prince? ’Cause if you teach me how to float, I’ll teach you how to hit so hard the puck leaves a dent in time."

He paused, then flashed a crooked grin.

"Unless you’re afraid of trading wings for fire."