Gold, love and mint tea (Yuzuru Hanyu )

22 - World Champion

"What is this between us?"

"Nothing" he grabs me by the back of my neck and kisses me hard. At first my eyes widen in surprise when I feel his lips on mine. But then I give in, melting under his touch. I close my eyes, grabbing him by his jacket and bringing him as close to me as I can. His hands move to my waist, pressing me against the door even more. Apparently we have a thing for doors. I trace a path from his jacket to his hair with my fingers, curling them there. God how is his hair so damn soft?!

I couldn't figure out where any of this was going but his moving lips were soft against mine and it felt too good to stop. But it did stop. I don't know who pulled away first but we both couldn't move for a few seconds as we were both trying to catch our breath. I looked up at him through my eyelashes, keeping my gaze on him as he keeps his eyes closed and his mouth slightly agape, probably letting his mind process what happened. I then realize that my fingers were still tangled in his hair so I slide my hands down to his chest, bringing him out of his trance.

"You're not running away again, are you?!" he eyed me hopefully and I couldn't stop the smirk that stole my lips.

"Yeah... I am... I just really have to go back and-"

"I know..." he grunted, burying his head into my should. I shiver slightly as I feel his breath tickling my neck.

"I'll find you later" I whispered after a while, snorting at the disbelieving look he had plastered on his face "I promise..."

~

I felt a bit guilty for fleeing the scene of the crime. Again. But at the same relieved that I had someplace else to be and not just any place. I had a victory ceremony to attend and as I promised Sveta, who was surely lurking around here somewhere, an interview to give. I had a million thoughts running through my head and in that moment I hated myself for being so distracted from the competition. This was what I had worked for, the results I had wanted for years now. Why did it all seem so insignificant all of a sudden?

As I was wondering through the corridors, looking for my coaches, I reluctantly surrendered any hopes of being able to keep Yuzuru out my thoughts. He still hadn't answered any of my questions, probably because he didn't even know the answers himself. But then why would he kiss me? Maybe he just finds me pretty... Why did I let him kiss me? Scratch that! Why did I kiss him three days ago?!

Did it feel good? Yes. Was it slightly inappropriate? Maybe. Am I starting to over analyze everything? Definitely. I snap out of my thoughts when I spot Sveta and Misha waiting for me next to woman, who I assumed was the one that would interview the winner. She's going to interview me. I sped up my pace when I caught Sveta giving me a scolding look.

"There you are! Where did you disappear to?!" she exclaims as soon as I'm close enough to hear her.

"Sorry... Had to use the bathroom" I lie, silently praying that my appearance did not betray what I was actually doing.

"Well then! Congratulations are in order!" Misha beams, a proud grin plastered on his face as he brought me into a quick hug. I had to admit that I was unaccustomed to hear him speak English, especially in a typical American accent, since we only spoke Russian with each other.

"Thank you! Both of you, I couldn't have done it without all your help and support!" I said sincerely, walking towards Sveta to hug her too.

"Yes yes, we're awesome and all that, but you have an interview to get to!" she retorts, obviously not fond of close contact and affection, ushering me towards the woman. After exchanging a few pleasantries with me, she leads me back towards the kiss and cry. The rink was now almost unrecognizable, plunged in darkness, only illuminated by blue spotlights as they set up the podium on the ice.