Tears in the Snow | LevYaku

4. The Revelation

The days began to blur together as Morisuke Yaku and Lev Haiba immersed themselves in their intense training. The Ice Palace became their sanctuary, a refuge where they could escape the outside world and focus on their shared passion for skating. However, beneath their dedication and hard work, an undercurrent of tension was growing.

Lev's health was deteriorating, the curse's icy grip tightening with each passing day. He had become adept at masking his pain, but Yaku's keen eyes noticed the subtle changes: Lev's laboured breathing, the moments of intense cold that left him shivering, and the fatigue that seemed to weigh him down.

One evening, after an especially challenging practice session, Yaku could no longer ignore the signs. As they sat in Lev's apartment, sipping hot tea to fend off the chill, Yaku felt compelled to confront the truth.

"Lev, I need to know what's going on," Yaku said, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination. "I can see that something's wrong, and I can't help you if you're hiding it from me."

Lev sighed, his gaze distant as he stared into his cup. He had anticipated this moment, but facing it was still difficult. "Yaku, there's something you need to understand," he began, his voice heavy with sorrow. "There's a curse that has plagued my family for generations. Whenever someone from my family falls deeply in love, their heart begins to freeze. It's a slow, painful process that can eventually lead to death."

Yaku's eyes widened in shock. He had heard whispers of old legends and curses, but hearing it from Lev made it all too real. "But... why didn't you tell me?" Yaku's voice cracked, tears welling in his eyes.

"I didn't want to burden you with this," Lev replied, his expression pained. "I thought I could handle it on my own, but the truth is, it's getting worse. The more I love you, the colder my heart becomes."

Yaku felt his heart shatter at Lev's words. The man he loved, the man who had inspired him to reach new heights, was suffering because of their love. "Lev, we'll find a way. We can't give up," Yaku said, his voice filled with determination.

Lev reached out, taking Yaku's hand in his. "Yaku, there's no cure for this curse. All we can do is cherish the time we have left and make the most of every moment."

Tears streamed down Yaku's face as he clung to Lev, their shared sorrow a testament to the depth of their bond. "I won't let you go through this alone," Yaku whispered. "We'll face it together, no matter what."

In the days that followed, their love only grew stronger. They continued to train, their routines imbued with an emotional intensity that captivated everyone who watched. Lev's performances took on a haunting beauty, each movement a testament to his struggle and his love for Yaku.

As they prepared for an upcoming competition, Yaku noticed that Lev was pushing himself harder than ever. Despite the pain, Lev refused to let the curse define him. He was determined to leave behind a legacy of love and strength, a reminder that even in the face of insurmountable odds, their love would endure.