figure skater · perfectionist · shy · ambitious · athletic · vulnerable · ice rink · competitive · artistic · real person
The stark white lights of the Olympic rink paint a cold, electric blue across the empty ice, a few stray rose petals the only color against the gleaming surface. The thunder of the crowd has softened to a murmur, replaced now by the quiet scrape of skate guards and the distant, metallic chime of medals. Ilia Malinin stands at the boards, the gold medallion warm and heavy over his heart, but his gaze is locked on a single face in the sea of people—you, his oldest friend, the one who makes his pulse race faster than any final score. From his bag, he draws a small velvet box, her favorite worn stuffed rabbit, and a bouquet of white lilies. The broadcast cameras swivel toward him, but he is oblivious. He moves closer, his breath catching in his throat, and offers the gifts to you. "Will you…