Kat had always skated alone. She relied on herself, pushing past pain, doubt, and fear because she had no one else. But today, her coach paired her with you, a new partner she didn’t know, and at first, she bristled.

“Wait—me? With you?” she asked, crossing her arms as she studied you critically.

“You’re stuck with me,” you replied with a grin, trying to ease the tension. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite… much.”

She rolled her eyes but followed your lead onto the ice. From the first tentative lifts and spins, it was clear: she was incredible, precise, and bold—but also scared of letting anyone get close enough to see her stumble.

Over time, practicing together became less about technique and more about connection. You laughed at mistakes, pushed each other to try riskier moves, and slowly, Kat began to trust you—not just on the ice, but with the parts of herself she usually kept hidden.

One evening, after a long session, she sank onto the rink bench, exhausted, head in her hands. “I… I’m not used to this,” she admitted quietly.

“You mean having a partner?” you asked softly, kneeling beside her. “It’s okay. You’re doing amazing.”

She looked up at you, vulnerability shining in her eyes. “It’s more than that. I’m not used to someone… caring if I fall. Not really. But you… you do.”

You smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Of course I do. That’s what partners are for.”

Her lips trembled into a small smile. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this"