Cold as Fire, Hot as Ice || borusara

Chapter 10

The first day of the competition consisted of the men's and women's individual events, so Boruto and Sarada were free to relax. After grabbing breakfast with ChoCho and Mitsuki, the group headed toward the ice arena to watch the performances and support Inojin.

They were sitting up in the stands waiting for the next performance when Boruto noticed Sarada stiffen in her seat. He followed her line of sight to find a group of people trailing behind Kagura, who was talking animatedly.

As if he could sense their stares, Kagura looked up at them. He smiled and waved, "What's up, Boruto? ChoCho! Mitsuki!"

His entourage snickered at his purposeful exclusion of Sarada in his greeting.

ChoCho reached over, resting her hand on Sarada's leg. "Just ignore him, he's not worth your energy," she whispered. Sarada just rolled her eyes and sighed.

Boruto couldn't help but wonder if this was a regular occurrence. Kagura actively trying to get under her skin.

Boruto was used to hockey where everyone was very upfront and outward with their aggression and they would shit talk right to your face, telling you you suck or your team was garbage.

The figure skating world was different. It was almost... catty.

The more he learned the more everyone seemed to be so fake and passive-aggressive. Supportive to your face and then secretly wishing you fall flat on your face during your performance. It was vicious.

"He's just so fucking annoying," Sarada grumbled, clutching the hem of her dress.

"I think you need some air. Come to the bathroom with me?" ChoCho asked, looking to Sarada as she stood up.

Once the girls had walked away, Boruto glanced over at Mitsuki who was a few seats down from him. He was a quiet guy, but Boruto couldn't tell if he was introverted and introspective or just kind of weird.

Then again, both could be true.

"Hey, could I ask you something?" Boruto began. Mitsuki nodded even as his gaze stayed on the skaters warming up on the ice.

"I get that Kagura and Sarada have this beef, but what I don't understand is why he goes out of his way to be nice to me. I'm Sarada's partner, shouldn't his distaste for her apply to me too."

"He's charismatic, don't you think?" Mitsuki replied.

"Huh?" Boruto frowned. Did he even listen to the question?

"Plus, he's talented. He's highly decorated in the sport and he's rather popular among other skaters, coaches, and all the best choreographers. When someone like that - someone of that status - acknowledges you, it's natural to seek their approval and a lot of our peers fall into that trap. He jumps at every opportunity to make a new friend. He welcomes you into his group and makes you feel special..." Boruto nodded, thinking back to his interaction with Kagura the previous day. The way he was so quick to invite him to hang out with his friends. "...and then forces you to choose a team. Him or Sarada."

"Does he really think that would work on me though? I mean, Sarada is my partner."

Mitsuki turned to meet Boruto's gaze and shrugged. "It's worked before."

Boruto sat back in his seat, silently staring out at the ice as he processed that information.

Kagura knew Sarada was talented, that's why they were partners for so long. But he constantly belittled her and broke down her self-esteem, because he wanted her to believe that she couldn't succeed without him. He was a complete ass to her, but so warm and nice to everyone else so no one would believe her if she dared talk about the way he treated her in private.