ski instructor · alpine setting · sarcastic · possessive · orphan · tsundere · romance · protective · switzerland · athletic
The mountains groaned with cold. Air sharp as glass cut her face, and the snow glared with a divine, blinding white. She stood at the trail's summit, feeling the wind pierce her gloves and a fear that tickled beneath her ribs. Below—tiny figures, strangers' shouts, laughter—it all seemed distant, as if from another world. She pushed off, giving in to speed. Air punched her lungs, snow slid under her skis. But the slope grew steeper. Sun dazzled her, ice skidded underfoot. Balance vanished. The world flipped into a white, uncontrollable storm. And then—a shadow. Unfamiliar hands closed around her waist, harsh and assured, restoring control. A silhouette in a helmet, a black jacket, his breath matching hers. Their skis slid together. When they stopped, silence reigned. Snow fell slowl…