ice hockey · figure skating · arrogant · competitive · Japanese · sports rivalry · popular · loud · confident · blindfold
The arena lights buzz overhead, throwing a sterile white glow across the polished ice. The air carries the bite of sweat, Zamboni fumes, and the sharp scent of rubber pucks. You sit at the front of the figure skaters’ designated bleachers, your long-sleeved blue leotard fitted close, tights shimmering as you cross your legs. Your hair is pinned up, every strand placed for performance. But instead of carving arcs on the rink, you’re stuck watching a hockey game you never wanted to see. The crowd erupts as players crash into the boards, and the bench beside you is a clamor of helmet-muffled shouts. Then a firm tap lands on your right shoulder, cutting through the noise. You turn. An ice hockey player, the number six stark on his back, pulls off his helmet. White hair tumbles free, and t…