Finding Juliet [VERY slow updates]

Act V

"No. Oh no. I'm not going back."

I threw my hands in the air, gesturing that I gave up. I went across the living room and straight to the kitchen. Snatching the milk carton from the fridge, I poured it in a glass and gulped it quick. Time check: 9 am.

"What's the matter? Is it because it's too far?" My sister, Saya, followed me as she placed her hands on her waist.

I slammed the glass down and exhaled, "It's not that, but it's also that. Besides, I have to work on my muscles first. I couldn't land clean quads." My own statement made me frown. I strided past Saya, leaving her no choice but to follow me again.

"What, you've been off ice for like 3 days? 4? You know you have to balance skating and physical training. Tell me the problem, mushroom."

"I'm not even a mushroom anymore. And I kind of regret being once a mushroom."

"Once a mushroom always a mushroom," Saya jogged and caught up with me, blocking my way. "Now tell me."

I stared at her in the eyes as she had tilted her head. Well, I can't keep this to myself forever anyway…

We sat down in the couch and I took a deep breath before starting.

"Okay. There was this skater who really got on my nerves. I hate her so much she's just so cocky and insensitive and every bad trait, you name it! She thinks she's superior, just because I was a new guy. I bet I could finally beat her in our next quad battle!" I vented out, scratching my head in stress.

"You should've taught him a le—wait, her?" Saya leaned closer, "You were intimidated by a girl?"

"I wasn't intimidated! She was just—"

"And you lost in a quad battle with a girl?"

"Can you not bring that up? And I admit she was good, but I…" Trailing off, I remember the earthquake once again. I looked at the small left over cracks in the wall and renovated ceiling, heaving a sigh. "…I wasn't ready."

"So you're telling me you're giving up training just to prevent yourself from seeing one particular person? This isn't you, baby bro."

"I'm 16," I responded, "And no, of course not… just, maybe, give me a few days to calm down."

"We've let you "calm down" for 4 days. You should go. Or else, who knows, she might think you're just afraid of her."

I turned my head to my sister, smiling softly at her words. "You're right. I guess."

She lifted both her hands and did a thumbs up, which made me laugh. I'm glad she's here with me.

"Anyway, is she pretty? What's her name?"

"Ugh, Saya!"

————

Coach Nanami and I decided to take the train this time. A 4 hour ride—boy isn't it great. I'm going to that rink again, and I made sure to prepare some comebacks just in case.

"Anyway coach, I've decided to join ice shows for Sendai. I need to gather money to help rebuild and repair the destroyed buildings. I want to do something." I said, looking at the window. The car is half full, and it's only 8 am.

"That's kind of you, Yuzuru. But how about your trainings there at Higashi?" Coach answered.

"I dunno," I shrugged, "Might just tell coach Syoichiro about my plan. I can't skate well at the moment anyway. I'll take the opportunity to train at ice show practices."

And in that way, I won't be seeing Ken. I prefer seeing Nobu, Daisuke and everyone else.

"Hmm, the ice shows will start soon. You sure it'll be okay?"