Double update because today I went to the biggest folk festival in Germany (and in the world, I think?) aka the Oktoberfest and I maybe drank a beer too much hahaha.
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The decision to become an idol wasn't one you made lightly. You'd been ice skating for as long as you could remember—it was your first love, the place where you felt most at peace. The cold air, the sound of your skates cutting through the ice, the thrill of nailing a difficult jump or spin—it was all part of who you were. But when the opportunity to train as an idol came along, you knew things would have to change. There simply wasn't enough time to do both, and so you made the heartbreaking choice to hang up your skates.
The transition wasn't easy. Training to become an idol was intense, consuming every moment of your time. The practice was grueling, and the pressure to be perfect was overwhelming. But through it all, there was one person who made it bearable—Changbin. From the moment you both started training, you and Changbin clicked. He had a way of making the hardest days a little brighter, of finding the humor in even the toughest situations. Over time, he became your best friend, the person you could always rely on.
You told Changbin things you never told anyone else—especially how much you missed skating. He was the only one who knew just how much it hurt to give up something you loved so dearly. He would listen as you talked about the rink, your voice filled with longing, and he'd always reassure you that you'd find a way back to it someday.
But as the years passed and you both debuted with your respective groups, that hope began to fade. The demands of being an idol only grew, and the rink seemed further away than ever. You accepted it, though it left a small, lingering ache in your heart.
Then, on your birthday, Changbin tells you he has a surprise. He's giddy with excitement, practically bouncing on his feet as he insists on leading you somewhere special. You can't help but smile at his enthusiasm, but he refuses to give you any hints, even when you pester him for details.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity of walking through the quiet streets, he stops in front of a large building. He grins at you, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Close your eyes," he says, and you do, trusting him completely. You feel him gently take your hand, leading you inside.
"Just a few more steps," he says softly, his voice filled with anticipation. You can hear the faint echo of your footsteps in the empty space, the cool air brushing against your skin. Your heart races with curiosity. "Okay, you can open them now."
When you do, your breath catches in your throat. Before you is a vast ice rink, the smooth surface glistening under the lights. For a moment, you're speechless. It's like stepping back in time, into a memory you thought you'd never relive. The sight of the rink, so familiar and yet so distant, tugs at your heartstrings.
"Changbin..." you whisper, turning to him with wide eyes. "How did you...?"
He smiles, a bit shyly now that the surprise is out. "I had to pull some strings—play the idol card to get the place rented. But I knew how much you missed skating, and I wanted to do something special for you." His voice is sincere, his eyes full of warmth as he watches your reaction.
