Tears in the Snow | LevYaku

2. The First Meeting

Morisuke Yaku's heart raced as he arrived in Saint Petersburg. Stepping off the plane, he felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was his chance to train with Lev Haiba, the legendary skater he had admired for so long. The city was a winter wonderland, with its majestic architecture and snow-draped streets adding to the dreamlike quality of his arrival.

The Ice Palace, where Lev trained, was a marvel of grand halls and pristine rinks. Yaku could hardly believe his luck. As he walked through the entrance, he was awestruck by the sight of Lev effortlessly gliding across the ice. This was the man whose performances had moved him to tears, and now he was about to meet him face-to-face.

Lev skated over with a welcoming smile, his presence exuding warmth despite the cold surroundings. "Welcome, Yaku. I've been looking forward to meeting you," Lev said, his voice carrying a blend of genuine excitement and poised elegance.

Yaku stammered a nervous greeting, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment and awe. "Thank you, Lev. I'm... I'm honored to be here," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lev chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to melt some of the ice in the air. "No need to be nervous. We're here to learn from each other," he said, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Let's get started, shall we?"

As they began their training, Yaku was struck by Lev's passion and dedication. Despite his reserved nature, Lev was a patient and encouraging coach, pushing Yaku to unlock his potential. Every move and every piece of advice from Lev was a lesson, a treasure. Yaku felt himself improving, and his confidence grew with each passing day.

The bond between them grew stronger. For the first time in years, Lev felt a connection that went beyond the superficial. Yaku's earnestness and vulnerability touched him in unexpected ways. Yaku, on the other hand, was inspired by Lev's grace and resilience, finding strength in his mentor's unwavering support.

They spent long hours on the ice, perfecting their routines. However, it was the moments off the ice that truly brought them closer. Late-night conversations over tea, shared laughter, and the simple comfort of each other's presence began to melt the barriers Lev had built around his heart. Yaku's admiration gradually evolved into something deeper—a feeling he was almost afraid to acknowledge.

As they practised one evening, in an arena that was empty and quiet, Lev's movements faltered slightly. Yaku, ever observant, noticed the change. "Lev, are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Lev forced a reassuring smile. "Just a bit tired, Yaku-san. Nothing to worry about," he replied, though he could feel a cold tightening around his heart.