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..........M.E.R.I.D.I.A.N......L.I.G.H.T.S..........

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February 20, 2009

I was here again.

Sofia, Bulgaria.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I tried to control my trembling hands.

Last year, in this place, I had competed in the Junior Worlds and yet my performance then wasn't good enough to advance to the free skate. From then on, I had trained all year round to improve my skills. I pushed myself to the limit and gave it everything I had. I vowed to give the performance of my life here, in this championship.

I didn't want to disappoint anyone ever again. I especially didn't want to disappoint myself.

Taking a shuddering breath, I cleared my mind and let myself relax. There was no point in getting defeated even before the competition starts.

My phone was on silent mode but I noticed the message as it vibrated on the bedside table.

Just arrived at hotel. You?

I typed in a reply immediately.

Pretty late. Yep, am here already at morning.

Flight got delayed. Meet up?

Sure. :)

We agreed to meet at the lobby. I slapped my hands on my cheeks as I tried to get all the negative thoughts out of my system.

I got up from the bed to change out of my pajamas. Yeah, actually, I didn't plan to go out this evening so I decided to get some room service later once I get hungry. It seemed like Yuzuru had other plans though.

The weather was on the cool side but not cold enough to warrant a jacket. Besides, I love the cold, so I just put on a pair of jeans and a light pink tank top. I checked the mirror once more before brushing my hair to the side.

Finally, I took my spare room card and went to meet him at the lobby.

*****

"How about there?"

"Seriously?"

"It looks good."

"Japanese food. In Bulgaria."

"Still looks good though. You like katsudon, right?"

"I love it. But that's not the point here."

"Come on." The ever-growing Yuzuru, already 5'2'' at the moment as compared to my still 5'1'' form, slung an arm around my shoulders and brought me closer to him as he ushered me into a nice looking Japanese restaurant.

A Japanese restaurant. In Sofia, Bulgaria.

Get it?

I loved to eat. That's not exactly a secret.

But I was the normal type of person who liked to try new things when they're in a different country. Not like Yuzuru.

Good thing this place dishes out delicious katsudon or else a certain someone would have an earful of complaints right about now.

An hour ago, I met Yuzuru and his mom back in the lobby, we tried to get her to come with us but she decided to stay in the hotel room because of jetlag.

"I seriously don't get it." I shook my head in bafflement. "You're such a picky eater yet you eat my food all the time."

"I love your food. There's a difference," he simply said, smirking.

"Nevermind." I sighed, before perking up. "So, I heard from your mom that you decided to study English?"

Yuzuru looked uncomfortable as he averted his gaze away from mine.

"Yeah, something like that." He cleared his throat and picked at his food. "I'm not good at it though."

"It's ok," I reassured him as I lightly touched his arm, "when I first started learning Japanese... let's just say I felt guilty because I kept butchering your language." I let out a sheepish laugh.

He smiled at me as he heard that.

"Now that I'll be competing in an international level, I realized I have to learn English. I know there are translators. But, I don't know, I just want to speak for myself when it comes to this." He shrugged helplessly.

"I totally understand." I did. I knew how frustrating it was to not be able to speak to the people around you because of the so-called language barrier. I experienced that when I first came to Japan all those years ago.

"You'll help me, right?"

"Of course!" I winked at him. "Wanna start now?" I asked in English.

He flushed and shook his head frantically. "No. No," he replied, also in English. His accent was heavy but we could work around that.

*****

https://youtu.be/TJgO1O_jd5g

(SP - Nathan Lanier's Time)

Personifying the vices of men, I moved in time with the music akin to a stringed doll longing for liberation. I skid in a serpentine step sequence letting the ice rise in the air at the force of my movement.

Moving my arms in coordination with my steps. I twizzled around the ice in rapid motions before I did a forward chasse then followed it with a mohawk.

Triple Salchow.

I managed to land it but I had to put a hand to the ice as I stumbled. Doubt began to creep before I pushed it into the far recesses of my mind.

Fight Elana!

With utter force, I pushed my hands to the side in a flourish as I pivoted lithely in my position and proceeded to do backward crossovers before I turned with curved movements.

Triple flip, double toe combination.

I entered into my combination spin starting with a camel spin, then into a cannonball spin, a pancake spin, before beautifully turning into a donut spin. With a few more turns, I let my foot drop before I continued gliding around the ice.

Doing forward crossovers, I fluidly did a choctaw as my arms and overall body movements were in perfect sync with the music. As my program approached the climax, I did a forward inside counter before readying my position.

Triple loop in a Tano variation.

I glided in a nimble exquisite manner as I did my choreographic sequence. I stretched my arms up before I gradually bent backward and arched down my arms to the side gracefully as I performed an Ina Bauer.

Swirling around the ice, I let my body passionately flow and be one with the music as my program neared its end.

Finally, I entered a flying combination spin that started off with a flying camel spin, then turned into a broken-leg spin with an arm aloft, I gradually straightened doing a lay-back spin my other arm connecting with the first one as I crossed them both in front of me. Then I finished my combination with a Beillmann spin.

My arms swiftly spread to the sides as I posed artistically just as the music ended.

Loud applause rang out the arena.

My knees buckled before I went crashing down. I didn't have any more strength in my legs. The sweat from my face dripped on the ice as I supported my weight with my trembling arms and knees to avoid face-planting on the ground.

The noise of the crowd went even louder as they saw my severe exhaustion. My involuntary show of weakness sent shivers down their spine. They simply loved the drama that came with the sport.

Harshly breathing in and out, I mustered up the strength to shakily stand up. I did my bow to every side of the arena and was met the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Some of them even threw plastic flowers and small toys on the rink.

I was still panting deeply when I reached the rink side. Coach Edmund immediately gave me a bear hug before supporting me towards the Kiss & Cry.

"Good job, Ela!" Coach Edmund grinned widely and hugged me around the shoulders and I was jostled in return. I truthfully didn't have any strength left. "Here." He handed me my tumbler.

I gratefully accepted it and proceeded to drink huge gulps of water. At the moment, I didn't care what I looked like on the screen that would definitely be shown worldwide.

Don't mess with me right now. I was physically and mentally exhausted.

"I stumbled on that Salchow," I finally replied as I finished a whole tumbler of water. I closed my eyes tightly in regret and harshly shook my head. I grabbed the face towel that my coach handed me and wiped my sweaty face.

I need a bath.

"Hey, it's ok." Coach patted me on the shoulder reassuringly. "You completed the rotations."

"Still." I bit my lip, my eyes were still narrowed as I berated myself.

"Don't be too hard on yourself Elana," Coach Edmund said with a serious yet understanding expression, "the fight isn't over yet. This is just the SP. We're only halfway through, you hear?"

I remained silent as I took in his words. After a moment, I relaxed my stance and nodded at him.

"The scores please."

Everyone quieted down.

Unconsciously, my hand gripped Coach Edmund's arm firmly as we waited for the officials to announce my scores.

"Elana Ferrer from the Philippines has earned in the short program, 54.68 points and is currently in 5th Place."

I was gobsmacked at my score.

5th Place?

5th Place!

I could hear the massive cheers coming from the crowd and I could also hear my coach yelling excitedly at my side. But I just continued to stare dumbfounded at the monitor that showed my score.

What the?

I was still in a state of shock as my coach led me backstage. The Philippine Support Team and various other people that I didn't recognize congratulated me as I dazedly walked around.

"Era!" Slender arms tightly engulfed me in a warm embrace forcing me back to reality. "Congratulations! You did great out there!"

"Yu-Yuzu." I blinked a few times as I stared at him, still wide-eyed.

"You ok? You seem out of it." Yuzuru grinned as he gently rubbed the side of my head.

"I can't believe it," I fumbled. My thoughts were currently a scrambled mess. "My mind is crashing. Hurry and get me out of here before I do something embarrassing."

Yuzuru laughed at me before nodding at Coach Edmund, who nodded back in return, and taking my hand as he led me towards one of the vacant training rooms. We sat down on the floor against the mirrored walls. The training rooms had mirrors on it so that the skaters could see their movements while practicing.

After a few minutes had passed, Yuzuru leaned his shoulder against mine.

"Is your mind still crashing?" Yuzuru quirked his lips at me.

"No." I shook my head to clear my thoughts then I cleared my throat. "No, it's ok now. Thanks. Wait, what are you doing here?"

"I came to watch your program dummy." He softly pinched my cheek.

"You'll be performing soon, right?" I smacked his hand off my cheek. "Go train some more."

"Yeah, I should get going soon," he said as he looked at the clock hanging on the far wall.

"Go, Yuzuru." I held his hand that was resting on the floor beside me. "I'll cheer you on later."

Yuzuru softly smiled at me as he entangled his hand on mine.

*****

https://youtu.be/ahTBC5V1iZU

I flinched as Yuzuru stumbled on his triple Axel.

Come on, Yuzuru.

Ah!

He was unstable on his triple toe, double toe combination.

Yuzuru entered his combination spin effortlessly. His spins were always top notch as he contorted his body in different positions. He did his step sequence in swift motions.

Triple loop.

Yes!

The jump landed beautifully.

He then proceeded to do his choreographic sequence as he glided with powerful movements along the ice. Finally, he entered his last combination spin. Yuzuru finished the program in a pose with his arms elegantly outstretched above his head.

I cheered along with the rest of the audience.

"The short program score please."

My fists clenched in tension.

"Yuzuru Hanyu from Japan has earned in the short program, 58.18 points which is the seasons best and is currently in 2nd Place."

I bit my lip and clapped along with the others.

Yuzuru's score was alright. It was higher than mine, but the men's division was much more competitive and the opponents, especially those who were veterans in the juniors division, scored higher. It would be tough to get into the top 10 with that score.

I turned my attention at the Kiss & Cry and watched as Yuzuru and Coach Nanami nodded at the score.

It was Yuzuru's first time in the Junior Worlds. So for now, it was alright to score like this. We would just need to strive harder next time.

At the end, when the overall SP of the men's division finished, Yuzuru's spot went down to 11th Place.

*****

After the SP of all divisions ended, the skaters started to prepare for the FS program that will be held the day after. Time passed by like a whirlwind, I didn't even have time to look at my phone, let alone look around for Yuzuru.

Currently, I sat on the waiting area because I was the next to skate.

I calmly watched the current skater did her program. She's quite good but she stumbled on a few of her jumps. She did one last rotation then ended her routine.

Breathing deeply, I closed my eyes and relaxed before slapping my knees twice. I headed to the rink in a calm and confident pace.

https://youtu.be/mmCnQDUSO4I

(FS program- Dmitri Shostakovich Waltz No.2)

I redid my FS program.

It was Shostakovich Waltz No.2, the one that I first performed two seasons back. I personally chose to do this program because this was the one I debuted on. This program launched me into my first junior medal and also plummeted me down to my first defeat.

You could say that what I aimed for was retribution.

Clearing my mind of unnecessary thoughts, I set my body in my starting pose as I waited for my program to begin.

The music started.

I knew.

Within the first movement of my body, I knew that this program would not defeat me.

Triple flip.

Triple loop, double toe combination.

Subconsciously, I was aware of the cheers coming from the audience as I did my jumps with perfect ease.

Double Axel.

I spun around the ice in circles with my hands artistically flowing beside my body. My step sequence was on point, no misses were made. The blades swiftly swerved in refined motions.

Triple Salchow, double loop combination.

Triple Lutz in a Tano variation.

I didn't heed any sort of distraction as I continued on dancing along the music itself. Every movement was presented in memorized delicacy as I entered my choreographic sequence.

Entering the final phase, I flew into a death drop flying forward spin combination consisting of a camel spin, turning into a broken leg spin with a twist variation, then a cannonball spin. I shifted into a layback spin that then turned into catch-foot layback spin. I rapidly rotated a few more times before I ended the combination.

I arched my back in a graceful position as I clasped my hands on top of my heart.

The crowd roared in the background.

My heart pounded rapidly and my chest heaved deeply. Sweat soaked my entire body. With the last few ounces of strength left within me, I did my best in bowing to everyone. Plastic flowers and small plushies made its way to the rink.

Shakily, I went to the rinkside where my coach once again engulfed me in a hug.

"Elana!" Coach Edmund yelled out with emotion. Happiness clearly visible on his face and he even got a little teary-eyed as far as I could see. I couldn't help but let out an amused huff.

Hell, I was even too tired to laugh properly.

Coach Edmund supported me as we went down to the Kiss & Cry.

"The scores please."

"Elana Ferrer from the Philippines has earned in the free skate, 102.48 points which is the new seasons best and a personal best. Her total Competition Score is 157.16. She is currently in 1st Place."

The whole stadium went wild.

*****

I didn't win gold.

Alena Leonova from Russia did. By a 0.02 margin.

I got a shiny silver medal instead.

Hey, no complaints here. I was just happy to be able to stand on the podium. Especially with my disastrous Junior Worlds last time.

My eyes watered a little as I stared at the Philippine flag hanging on the arena. The Russian national anthem was currently playing so I stood in attention with respect to the winner.

Even though I didn't get 1st place, I was still bubbling in excitement and utter happiness.

Later on, the medalists were led to a huge conference room. I could see all the video cameras recording us and plenty of flashes rang, blinding me for a moment. Fortunately, I was used to this setup back in the Philippines due to the various public functions I attended.

Then the post-conference started.

I was practically an unknown in this scene. After all, I only won a single competition and that was the JGP back in Croatia two years ago.

The other medalists were already competing internationally for some time and also medalled in other international competitions. In a way, the original Top 5 that won in the JGP this year were the favorites to win in the Junior Worlds.

That's the reason why I was treated as the unexpected Dark Horse in this competition.

As a result, I was treated to a barrage of questions.

"This question is for Elana Ferrer. In all of history in the Junior World Championships, this is the first time that your country, the Philippines, won in this competition. How does it feel to be able to stand on the podium and bring glory to your country?"

"I got a little emotional when I saw my country's flag being raised," I started, thinking about the question and recalling the Victory Ceremony.

"I didn't expect to feel that way. When I saw the Philippine Flag, I remembered all the difficulties that I've been through these past several years. It is such an honor to be able to represent my country."

"Before you went on the ice and presented your free skate, I noticed that you were pretty relaxed while watching the previous skater, Sarah Hecken. What was going through your mind then? Weren't you nervous at all?"

"To be honest, I wasn't actually thinking of anything in particular. I just enjoyed Ms. Hecken's program. She skated beautifully. As for if I'm nervous... At that time, I didn't let myself think that I'm nervous." I struggled as I tried to express myself. "I mean, yes, I think everyone will feel nervous when it's their turn to skate. But I just didn't focus on that. Instead, I let myself relax and enjoy the show."

"The 2010 Winter Olympics that will be held in Vancouver will be held in the upcoming season. Do you have any plans to graduate to senior and try to qualify for next year's Olympics?"

"Oh, Olympics?" I let out a shaky laugh, bewildered. "Hm, I, I don't know. The Olympics didn't even come to my mind... um, I don't know, sorry. As for graduating to senior in the upcoming season... I was already thinking about doing so but I still need to think about it carefully with my team, my coach and the rest of the Philippine team."

"This question is for Elana Ferrer again. Elana, you missed the chance to grab the gold by a narrow 0.02 margin. You had received the best score in the free skate, but your score in the short program dragged it down. What did you think about that? How did you feel about that?"

"Honestly? I'm just happy that I won silver," I replied, causing a scattering of laughter to sound out in the conference room.

"I mean, I didn't expect to win at all. There are plenty of talented skaters here. And I'm very glad that I was able to bag the silver medal. Either way, Ms. Leonova skated such a wonderful program both in the SP and the FS." I looked beside me as Alena quietly thanked me, we shared a smile before I continued answering.

"I was a little disappointed when I stumbled on that triple Salchow but in the end, I did my best. That's it. I did my best. I gave my all in this competition. That's why even with the mistakes that I made, I'm proud of my performance both in the short and the long."

*****

https://youtu.be/bLTXd-x7QCE

Directly after the press conference, I immediately headed to the ongoing free skate of the men's division. Yuzuru wasn't able to cheer for me in the FS because I was slotted in the last group, which would then conflict with the last minute training the men's division had.

Thankfully, by the time I arrived in the stands, Yuzuru was just getting on the ice.

"Go Yuzuru!" I yelled out.

Yuzuru got on center ice and began his program.

Triple Axel.

I bit the towel hard in my hand as he fell.

Triple flip, triple toe combination.

I cheered as he landed that magnificently.

Yuzuru nearly stumbled on his triple Lutz.

Triple loop.

His steps and spins were as beautiful as ever. The music in his program slowed down into a beautiful melody.

Triple toe, double toe combination.

I jumped in excitement as he landed the combination.

Triple Lutz.

He readied his position again and went for a double Axel, triple toe combination. Unfortunately, he fell on the triple toe.

Double Axel.

"Whooo! Go Yuzuru!"

He entered his final combination spin before he finally rotated one last time and did his ending pose.

I cheered loudly along with the others.

"The scores please."

"Yuzuru from Japan has earned in the free skate, 103.59 points which is the new seasons best. His total competition score is 161.77. He is currently in 3rd Place."

Wow.

This kid.

I shook my head in adoration as he scored pretty well for his first international competition. Even when I skated a flawless free skate, his score was still higher than mine. I could only wonder what his score would be like if he skated clean.

It would've been massive.

I had no doubt that Yuzuru will become one of the best figure skaters in the future.

This competition was only the beginning of his journey towards the top.

*****

When the FS of the men's division ended, Yuzuru's placement went down to 13th Place in the rankings. Overall, he's in 12th Place.

I went down the stands and looked for him in the backstage area. It was pretty confusing since there were plenty of people around and I was originally directionally challenged to begin with.

Finally, I spotted a certain mushroom-haired boy.

"Yuzuru!" I charged towards him before tackling him into a squeezing hug.

His arms automatically went around me as he stabilized his body from the tackle.

"Ugh. You sweat a lot." I quickly tried to release him but his arms tightened around me.

"Hey, you're sweaty too." He grinned widely at me. "Let's be sweaty together."

"Hush. We're in public. You make it sound like we're in an illicit love affair." Flustered, I pushed his cheeks to stop him from talking. "Don't you feel embarrassed? You're mom's here." I scolded him.

It was true, Yumi was standing on the side looking very amused.

"Sorry about my son." Yumi sighed, shrugging her shoulders tiredly. "I don't know how I raised him. Congratulations by the way," She added bowing to me.

"Thank you, Hanyu-san." I extracted myself from Yuzuru's arms and bowed back.

"Oh, no need for that. Please just call me Yumi." Yumi waved her hand lightly before she mischievously looked at her son. I totally get where Yuzuru inherited his personality from. From Looks down to Attitude. "After all, I feel we're pretty close already since Yuzu couldn't stop talking about you."

Instead of being embarrassed, Yuzuru just smirked cockily at the side. I couldn't help the flush that covered my cheeks.

What on earth did he say about me this time?

I elbowed his side but Yuzuru just dodged playfully. I shot him a stinky look.

"Then please, call me Ela. Thank you, Yumi-san." I bowed politely.

"Congratulations. I just knew you could do it." Yuzuru draped an arm around my shoulders and side hugged me. In response, I wrapped an arm around his waist and also drew close to him.

"Thanks." I smiled sincerely at him. "I love your FS."

"Ehh, it's ok." He wrinkled his nose.

"Don't be like that." I lightly knead the bridge of his nose to smoothen out the crease. "It's your first competition out here. You did such a good job."

"That's what I've been telling him." Yumi raised a brow at her son.

"I know. I know," Yuzuru conceded, nodding at us. "I just wanted to skate clean."

"Don't we all. Treat this as a learning process." Coach Nanami suddenly appeared, on her hand were some of the luggage Yuzuru brought for his training. "We'll be ready the next time you come here," she added confidently.

"By the way, the bus is ready. We'll be leaving in 10 minutes," Coach Nanami continued as she checked her watch.

"Era-san, do you want to ride with us?" Yumi asked.

"Yeah, Era." Yuzuru tightened his arm around my shoulders.

"No, sorry, I can't. My team is waiting for me," I declined.

We made plans to meet back at the hotel before going our separate ways.

*****

"Now, this is what I'm talking about!" I exclaimed, cheerfully looking around the beautiful traditional Bulgarian restaurant in Bulgaria.

"Let me guess..." Yumi purposely trailed off as she glanced at her son.

"What?" Yuzuru innocently replied, complete with the mandatory wide eyes.

I nodded at Yumi, aggrieved.

Yumi ruffled Yuzuru's hair roughly in revenge.

"Kaa-san!" Yuzuru protested, dodging out of the way.

I quietly laughed at the side as I looked at their mother-son antics. It was obvious that they were very close to each other.

"Ferrer-san, you skate at Nagoya?" Coach Nanami asked me while the two sitting beside us continued to banter. We were sitting on a particularly romantic nook at the corner of the restaurant, Yuzuru was sitting beside me, while Yumi and Coach Nanami were sitting on the other side.

"Yes." I smiled at her politely.

"You know Coach Yamada?"

"Yes, she's around the club a lot. Coach Yamada is my friend's coach," I answered as we browsed the menu. "My coach in Nagoya is Coach Omura. Do you know them?" I asked back in return, continuing our small conversation. I genuinely wanted to get to know Coach Nanami. She cares about Yuzuru a lot and she's also been very kind to me.

We made small talk that way until the waiter brought the food to our table.

I nearly moaned in delight at the sight of all these mouthwatering dishes.

(Strandjanska Bohcha)

(Shop-Kebap)

(Omelet with Spinach Puree)

"Hello. Hello. Prepare to be devoured." I unconsciously blurted out revealing my inner glutton. "Come here. Come here."

The entire table burst out laughing.

Coach Nanami and Yumi quickly stifled their laugh, they ducked their head with down letting out an occasional snicker as their shoulders trembled. On the other hand, Yuzuru was outright cackling at me. Red-faced in mortification, I jabbed his side sharply while pouting.

"Ah!" He yelped, he continued to snigger anyway. Still blushing, I picked my fork and proceeded to eat, all the while wishing the ground would swallow me. My stupid brain strikes again. He placed his arm at the back of the chair I'm leaning on. "Slow down, it's not gonna run away."

"Ah, ganon," ("Ah, really,") I raised my brows and sarcastically spoke to him in Tagalog, picking one of the cherry tomatoes and stuffing it in his mouth. He caught it in his teeth as he smirked at me with his eyes narrowed before munching down on the tomato.

I stared at him a little wide-eyed.

That's surprisingly cool.

If Yuzuru wasn't a figure skater, he could very well audition for movie roles. He has that Boy-Next-Door vibe in him. I'm pretty sure plenty of studios would be glad to have him.

Shaking my head, I focused on my food.

The older occupants of the table watched our interaction with interest. They looked at each other before sharing a smile in secret.

The adults mostly talked to each other while Yuzuru and I chatted.

"Can I have some." I bit my fork as my downcast eyes quietly pleaded at him. I wanted to taste his dish so badly.

"Sure." He cut a portion of the Bohcha before placing it on my plate.

"Woah, wait, not so large. A bite will do."

"It's fine, eat it, you need to grow taller."

"You're annoying sometimes, you know that?" I deadpanned at him as I poked his cheek.

"Not sometimes. Most of the time," Yumi refuted, before winking playfully. "You'll know once you live with him."

"I apologize in advance but I don't think I can ever live in the same house with this guy," I joked around, refusing to deduce what his mom was hinting it.

Was it a hint?

Or just a plain joke?

What's up with me and my newfound paranoia?

I tried to discard the topic.

"Why not?" Yuzuru, however, refused to go along with my plan and relentlessly pursued the topic. His eyes twinkled in amusement.

"Em, I dunno." I fidgeted in my seat.

"Ferrer-san, you should visit Sendai sometime." Coach Nanami took pity on me as she saved me from the mother-son duo.

"I kept inviting Era but she keeps on pushing the date." Yuzuru turned to me, munching on a potato that he stole from his mother's plate.

"Whenever I planned to go, something always comes up." I ducked my head sheepishly. "But, I really would love to visit in the future."

"Oh." Yumi perked up, clapping her hands together. "Then when you come to visit, you should stay in our home for a few days. Sendai is a big place. It's better to tour it gradually than just rushing around in a day."

"I don't want to intrude." I waved my hands shyly, humbled that Yumi was willing to make space for me in her home.

"Don't worry about it. We would be glad to have you," Yumi replied, a slow grin began to spread on her face. I had a bad feeling about this. This smile was exactly like Yuzuru's smile when he's up to something naughty. "Besides, it's like a trial period."

Trial Period?

I tilted my head in curiosity.

"*Kaa-san," I heard Yuzuru whisper frantically, his eyes slightly widened in warning. He was a little red on the face as he shook his head in a minuscule manner to the side.

Yumi giggled and even Coach Nanami let out a small snort before she covered her mouth with a napkin.

Ok, what did I miss?

I was utterly perplexed.

I glanced at Yuzuru, silently asking what was going on. Yuzuru fumbled a bit, before placing another portion of his Bohcha in my plate.

"Ah! I'm full already."

.

.

..........M.E.R.I.D.I.A.N......L.I.G.H.T.S..........

.

.

(I need to improve my vocabulary. Writing the skating scenes were pure torture. I mean, I could properly visualize it in my mind, but I don't know how to describe it.)

(Those pictures made me hungry, lmao!~)

(￣﹃￣)