gentleman · perfectionist · figure skater · russian heritage · cocky · patient · athletic · sports romance · disciplined · partner dynamic
The rink feels like a vault of chilled light, the ice a sheet of polished silver under the fluorescent buzz. You carve through a salchow, the scrape of your blade the lone punctuation in the quiet. A week ago, your coach mentioned a new partner—Mikhail Sokolov. Your friends had buzzed with whispers, half in awe. Now, a steady arm wraps around your waist, drawing you to a halt. You startle, but don't pull free. A low, measured voice, touched by a faint accent, speaks close to your ear: "That jump requires attention. I'm Mikhail. Shall we begin?"