Melody of You | Yuzuru Hanyu

5.

The next day of rehearsals he was there again, casually strutting around, talking with the production, the techs, and everyone that made the show happen.

He would occasionally put his skates on and skate around, nothing fancy, no tricks, just being on the ice.

Every day that passed, Sophia was more confused. No other skater had showed up, he was always the only one there and she even started joking that this was going to be a solo show when someone nicely told her that the rehearsals for the skaters were at other times and in an ice rink located near, not the actual venue.

What was he doing here then?

The questions only grew as time passed. He was there every time and apparently even helping the staff put everything together. It was almost as if this was his own show.

She rehearsed with Shinya a few more times and soon enough, the final arrangement came to life. Yuzuru would often watch them work without a word, just sitting somewhere in the venue, eyes closed as they played.

Her friends were very disappointed when she said he hadn't skated in front of her yet, and even more disappointed when she mentioned they rarely exchanged words. Sophia didn't know what they expected and just brushed off all of their comments about getting to know him better.

The fact was that they only spoke of the absolutely necessary things, and even for those, there was someone often guiding the conversation.

After the last musicians' rehearsal, Sophia was walking in the halls of the now familiar arena while looking at the group chat messages, completely entranced by her phone when she hit something hard, well, not exactly something... someone...who held her body by her waist, avoiding her fall.
The music sheets she was holding flew through the air and scattered on the floor.

"Kuso, gomensai" she heard the person say, realizing it was the skater that was occupying most of her thoughts. Well, if he wasn't avoiding her before, he will now.
He released her as soon as he noticed who it was and dropped his eyes to the ground.

"It's my fault, I was looking at my phone, sorry" she apologized, already dropping to her knees to catch the music sheets that had fallen.

"Ah, me too" he said gesturing to the small device and imitating her movements, gathering the sheets in his hands. "They have order?" He asked, hoping she understood.

"Yes, but it's okay, I'll organize them again at the hotel."

He nodded and continued his movements, stopping as he noticed the title on one of the pieces of paper. Sophia stared at him as he looked at the first page of 'The Swan' from Saint-Saens with a small smile.
"I like this one"  he told her handing her the paper sheets, their hands touching briefly.

"You do? My orchestra is doing it in the winter" she said, making his eyes shine just a bit brighter.

"Is hard?" he asked with interest.

"A little bit, but I love playing it"

"Would love to hear you someday" Yuzuru said to her amazement.

"Sure... Whenever you want."

"Yes?"

"Of course, I don't mind at all" she said laughing softly at the man in front of her.

"Thank you. Busy today..." He said with a pout "I tell when. Soon."

"Okay, Hanyu-san. It will be a pleasure" she said and he bowed.

"Jansen-san?"

"That's so weird to hear, please call me Sophia" he laughed now too.

"In Japan, we don't use a lot first name only"

"Shinya calls you Yuzuru"

"He's good friend."

"Oh, okay."

"Maybe one day I call you Sophia, but now, Sophia-san? Better?"
For what felt like the hundredth time that day, she smiled at the grown man in front of her that was as cute as a kitten.

"Whatever you feel comfortable with" and for a while, she imagined what it would feel like if their conversations flowed like this more often. She was so used to their awkward conversations that something so banal as this was a huge improvement.

Unfortunately, their unusual exchange was soon broken by someone calling for him and she said her goodbyes, going back to her hotel.

That night, she called Josh. As gay as he was, maybe he could help her see the male point of view of things. She complained to him about how awkward their exchanges usually were

"I just don't understand how he can be so sweet sometimes and others so awkward"

"You said it was better today when you talked alone?"

"Yes, he even joked around for a bit, it's almost like he had two different personalities"

"And did you talk alone any time before that?"

Sophia considered his question and realized they hadn't.

"Not really, no"

"Maybe it's something related to his public image and he's more open in private settings"

"If he's such a big deal I doubt they would drag him by speaking casually with a foreigner"

"You would be surprised by how easy some people can turn against him, he's suffered a bit through the years, not that he would ever admit it publicly. My guess is that he's more open in private settings"

"Maybe"

"You know what that means right?"

"Huh? What?"

"You have to get him alone to find out" Josh said giggling.

"Josh..."

"Come on, why are you even so concerned about him?"

"I don't know, it just feels like he might be a good friend if we put some effort into it, and it's not often I feel like this"

"You sure it's just that? He's good-looking..."

"And completely not my type"

"Yeah, yeah... He's no soccer player like that last prick, what was his name again?"

"Oh, shut it."

"Just saying you could have some fun, get the full cultural experience. Doesn't have to be love to be fun."

"He doesn't seem like that kind of guy, Josh"

"So you have thought about it... Interesting. And you say he's not your type..."

"Remind me why I called you?"

"Because you don't understand the male species? Now seriously, just let things flow and see how it works out, forcing friendships never works"

"Thanks, J"