𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗡 | p.sunghoon

𝟎𝟐.

𓏵

PARK SUNGHOON moved effortlessly across the ice rink, his skates cutting sharp lines into the frozen surface.

Each movement was precise, almost mechanical from years of practice. The cold air bit at his face, but he barely registered it. The rink had become his refuge, a place where he could shut out everything else and focus entirely on his skating. It was the only place where he felt in control, where the demands of his life didn't seem so overwhelming. Every jump and spin was a brief escape from the constant pressure that followed him everywhere.

As the son of a wealthy chaebol family, Sunghoon had always lived a life of privilege, but that came with its own burdens. His parents were rarely around, absorbed by their high-powered careers, and when they did pay attention to him, it was usually to remind him of their expectations.

"sunghoon youre such a disappointment to our family."

He often heard that sentence.

Sunghoon was expected to be perfect—excellent in academics, outstanding in sports, and particularly successful in ice skating. To them, his achievements weren't about him but about enhancing the family's reputation. He wasn't treated like a son but more like a symbol of their success, another way for them to show off to their wealthy peers.

This pressure shaped Sunghoon into someone who kept his distance from others. He had built up a cold, distant persona to protect himself from the constant demands and the lack of real affection from his parents. At school, he was known for his rude and aloof behavior.

People admired his looks—his sharp features, jet-black hair, and the small mole on the bridge of his nose

Despite his cold exterior, many girls at school were drawn to him, constantly trying to get his attention. They would pass him in the hallways, leave notes, or make excuses to talk to him, hoping to get a noticed by him or get a reaction. But Sunghoon barely noticed or cared. He had no interest in their attention and saw them as distractions from what actually mattered. His focus was on skating and on meeting the expectations of his parents, that weighed heavily on him every day. He couldn't afford to be distracted by people who didn't understand his world.

The only people who had managed to stick around were kim sunoo and lee nayu, both of whom came from similarly privileged backgrounds. Their families often attended the same social events, and over time, they became part of Sunghoon's life. At first, Sunghoon found them annoying, Sunoo's friendliness and Nayu's carefree attitude grated on him, but eventually, he warmed up to them, at least a little. They were persistent and didn't seem to care about his icy demeanor. Even though they could make him laugh or relax sometimes, Sunghoon still kept an emotional distance from them. He wasn't the type to open up about the pressure or isolation he felt, not even to his closest friends.

Skating was his sanctuary, the one thing he could control. Every practice was an opportunity to prove himself, not just to his parents but to everyone who expected something from him. Landing difficult routines gave him a sense of achievement, even if the feeling was brief. He threw himself into his training, hoping it would fill the emptiness inside, though it never fully did.

As his session ended, Sunghoon stepped off the ice, feeling the cold clinging to his skin as his breathing steadied. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, his black hair damp and sticking to his face. The rink, though a temporary escape, never changed the reality of his life. The isolation and pressure were always there, even after he left the ice. No matter how many people admired his talent or tried to get close to him, the loneliness remained.

For Sunghoon, it was easier this way. He had learned to rely on himself and keep others at a distance. Letting people in meant risking disappointment, and he wasn't willing to take that chance. Skating gave him something to focus on, something he could control when everything else felt overwhelming. As he left the rink, he knew he would keep going down the same path—alone, focused, and determined to succeed, no matter the cost.