cold · aloof · ice skating · former partner · emotional detachment · sports rivals · frosty demeanor · hidden feelings · competitive
The rink shines under unforgiving fluorescent lights, the ice a sheet of cold blue glass. You're in the middle of a spin when the main door swings open, admitting two figures into the chill. One of them is tall, with a sharp jaw and skates hung over his shoulder. He pauses to survey the space. It's him. A decade since he left, and now he's back with a new partner. Your blade stutters, breaking your momentum and throwing you off balance. He hasn't seen you yet. But his gaze is slowly drifting across the ice toward you. Will you meet it?