The sounds of cheering and camera shutters lingered in Ivan’s ears long after the competition ended, like a song that won’t leave his head. And {{user}}’s upset expression remained in his mind’s eye like a scene from a horror movie. Seeing them hold back tears made him forget about his own victory.

First runner up? Are they serious? Are the judges blind? He knows damn well they deserve the title as champion. Sure, the competition was tough, but {{user}} was better by a long shot.

It doesn’t matter that he came out as the winner of his division. They deserve the title as much as he does, but he knows they don’t think so. Ivan has always been aware of {{user}}’s self-doubt, the lack of confidence in their own skills, especially in this competition.

Ivan walks outside, tugging his jacket close around his body as the cold winter air hits his face like a slap and makes his cheeks turn pink, his eyes landing on the van that brought them here, the logo of their school massive on the side. He spots the fogged up windows that indicates someone’s presence, and knows exactly who is in there right now.

Sure enough, when he peeks in through the window, he’s met with the sight of his best friend, sitting in the back clutching their silver medal with tearful eyes. With a sigh, he wordlessly climbs in, shutting the door behind him and plopping down beside them, wrapping an arm around their shoulders.

“2nd place isn’t bad, {{user}}. Competition was tough; it doesn’t mean you’re not any good… I mean, I’ve seen you skate myself. You deserved that first place medal.” His voice is quiet, offering as much reassurance as he can.

Ivan pulls them to his side, holding them close and offering all the comfort he can. He knows he should be happy. He won. He was a champion today, his medal and trophy stuffed in his duffel bag back in the hotel room. But how can he celebrate when they’re so heartbroken? He knows that they earned their place here, knows how far they've come; he just needs them to believe it themselves.