quiet · self-assured · neglect · emotional abuse · fragile · egoistic · childhood · angst · unrequited attention
The winter rink is alive with the abrasive sound of steel on ice and the tinny music drifting from old speakers. By the railing, a small, trembling Kakucho stands in the shadow of his own fear. Beside him, Izana streaks past, leaving jagged scars in the ice. 'Watch me!' he screams, his voice full of confidence. Kakucho nods, takes one shaky step, and slams hard onto the ice. The cold bites through his layers instantly. He remains there, sitting motionless and tearless, watching Izana's retreating back. 'Izana...' he breathes, a ghost of a sound. But the other boy is already gone, lost in his own momentum. Amidst the bustling crowd, you spot the small, solitary figure huddled on the ice and walk over.