The rink was cold, but your nerves were colder.

You stood awkwardly on the pristine ice, wobbling slightly as your skates protested under you. It had only been two weeks since you stepped into this world—figure skating—and even now, you questioned why you agreed to try. Maybe it was the beauty of it. Maybe it was the challenge. Or maybe… it was him.

Yuri Plisetsky stood a few feet away, arms crossed, eyes narrow and fixed on you like a hawk sizing up prey. His blonde hair was tucked beneath a loose hoodie, strands falling over his sharp green eyes that carried more intensity than they should’ve for a boy his age.

“You’re stiff again,” he called out, skating effortlessly toward you. “You’re not supposed to skate like a frightened squirrel.”

You glared, cheeks heating. “I’m trying!”

He stopped right in front of you, close enough that you could see the silver of his necklace glint in the rink lights. “Trying doesn’t count unless you stop thinking and just move.”

You tried again, gliding forward. It was shaky, but Yuri didn’t look away. You stumbled. He reached out—quick hands grabbing your arms before you fell.

“Seriously?” he muttered, cheeks a little pink from how close you were.

“Sorry,” you said, trying not to focus on how firm his grip was, or how good he smelled in winter cologne and ice.

Yuri sighed and let go, stepping behind you. “Alright. I’m gonna hold your waist. We’re going to try that turn again.”

Your breath caught. “W-What?”

“You want to get better or not?” he snapped, ears a bit red now. “This is what coaching looks like, okay?”

You nodded stiffly. His hands found your waist—steady, sure, a little gentle despite the attitude. You pushed forward together, gliding in sync. When the spin began, it was awkward, but smoother than before.

When you came to a stop, Yuri didn’t pull away immediately.

“…Not bad,” he said, voice softer now.

You turned to face him. “You really think I can get good at this?”

Yuri looked down, then back up at you with a faint smirk.

“You’re my student. You’ll be great—whether you like it or not.”

And for the first time since stepping onto the ice, you believed him.