There was something about the omega that struck a chord within him.
Heeseung understood that feeling.
Wanting to disappear, to find a space where no one would bother you, where you didn't have to engage with the constant pull of expectations and at...
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The ice rink was bathed in the soft glow of overhead lights, their reflections shimmering across the frozen surface like tiny stars.
Sunghoon stood near the center of the rink, his posture effortlessly graceful, as if he were born on skates.
His gloved hands rested loosely on his hips as he watched Jake wobble unsteadily a few feet away, awkward and jerky.
Jake’s blond hair was a tousled mess from the chill, his cheeks flushed from both exertion and the cold.
He gripped the railing with one hand, the other outstretched for balance, his legs stiff as he tried to push forward.
“I’m telling you, Hoon.” Jake called out with exasperation. “This ice is out to get me. There’s no way this is normal.”
Sunghoon rolled his eyes, skating over with a fluidity that Jake couldn’t help but envy.
“The ice isn’t the problem, Jake.” Sunghoon said.
He stopped just in front of him, his skates coming to a smooth halt. “You’re moving like a baby deer. Relax. Bend your knees a little.”
Jake gave him a skeptical look but did as he was told, lowering himself slightly.
The adjustment helped, but only for a moment.
As soon as he tried to glide forward, his balance wavered, and he reached out instinctively, grabbing Sunghoon’s arm for support.
Sunghoon’s body barely shifted under the sudden weight, his balance unshaken.
He caught Jake’s wrist with one hand, steadying him.
“See? You’re fine.” Sunghoon said, his voice calm as ever. “You just need to trust yourself. And stop clutching me like I’m going to let you fall.”
Jake chuckled nervously, loosening his grip but still hovering close. “Trust myself? That’s easy for you to say, Mr. I’m perfect at everything. Some of us don’t have natural grace, you know.”
Sunghoon raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking into the faintest of smirks. “Natural grace or not, you’re never going to get better if you keep clinging to the railing, or to me.”
Jake sighed dramatically, straightening up as much as he dared. “Okay, fine. But if I fall and crack my skull, it’s on you.”
“Noted.” Sunghoon replied dryly. He skated backward a few paces, extending a hand toward Jake. “Come on. Push off from the railing and take my hand.”
Jake hesitated, glancing down at the treacherous ice below him. “This feels like a trap.”
“It’s not a trap. I’ll keep you upright.” Sunghoon said. “Just focus on moving one foot at a time. You’ll be fine.”
