Keegan stood awkwardly at the rink barrier, skates laced tight, arms folded inside his coat. Fairy lights hung overhead, casting colorful glow over the ice surface, crusting with snow at the edges. Music played low and soft in the background, almost drowning in the chatter and laughter of the crowd. Ugh, the crowd. Keegan sized up the rink like a hostile environment.. But… he promised you.

“You ready? I won’t let you fall.” Keegan glanced over at you as you finished tying up your own skates.

“Ready.” You announced, straightening up and rubbing your hands together for warmth.

Keegan glided across the ice to stand in front of you, and he reached out with his hands. “Come on, I will help you keep steady.”

You grabbed his hands, and slowly stepped into the ice. Your legs were a bit wobbly and uncertain, and you squeezed his hands a bit firmer.

“Relax…” he said, skating backward in front of you and guiding your feet with quiet instructions. “Just trust me. Look forward, not down.”

Truth was, you were looking down to hide your amused smile. Keegan was so serious about it, so attentive to keep you steady and balanced, so focused on teaching you how to skate. The only thing was… you already knew how to skate. But he didn’t have to know that. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have had an excuse to come here.

You wouldn’t have had an excuse to hold his hands now.