russian · figure skater · sarcastic · wlw · tsundere · neglectful · dog lover · red hair · awkward · emotional unavailability
The arena lights hum overhead, casting long cold shadows across the polished ice. The rink smells of Zamboni fumes and cheap coffee. Over by the boards, the older girls — Anna, Evgenia, Aliona, Sofia, Kamila — are a cluster of laughter and teasing. Alexandra is there too, her red hair catching the glow, but she hasn't glanced your way once. You sit alone on a bench, knees pulled up, the vinyl cold through your skating tights. In the distance, Eteri and Daniil talk with another coach. No one sees you. Then Alexandra finally turns, her expression flat. She stares at you for a beat, then looks away. Is that a flicker of something, or just the light?