𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍~ 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐈𝐑𝐎

♡Chapter-43♡

Third point of view.

The cold wind bit at your face as you tightened your grip around Mikey's waist, the roar of his bike cutting through the otherwise quiet streets. Snow blanketed the city, soft and untouched, save for the flickering Christmas lights and decorations hung at each corner.

Mikey hadn't told you where you were going, just showed up at your door with a lazy smirk and a 'Let's do something fun.'

Now, standing at the edge of an open ice-skating rink, you were starting to regret agreeing so easily.

Mikey grinned already lacing up his skates. "What, scared?"

You scoffed. "Please. I just don't see the point of willingly putting myself in a situation where I might bust my ass."

"Sounds like an excuse." He stood up, testing his balance with ease. "Guess I'll just enjoy the ice while you sit on the sidelines like an old lady."

An ick formed on your forehead. Now you were sure you weren't letting him run his mouth like that. You let out a slow breath, gripping the railing beside you as Mikey skated effortlessly ahead, hands in his pockets.

"You just gonna stand there all night?" He teased, glancing over his shoulder at you.

You scoffed, pushing off the railing. "I got this."

Except you didn't.

The moment your skates touched the ice, you felt your balance waver. Your feet slid awkwardly, and for a second, panic shot through you. But you refused to ask for help. Steeling yourself, you took another step forward, trying to mimic Mikey's ease---only to feel your legs betray you.

Your heart lurched as you started to tip backward. Before you could hit the ice, strong hands caught your wrist, yanking you forward. You stumbled right into Mikey's chest, gripping onto him instinctively.

He chuckled, warm breath faning against your ear. "So much for having it."

You scowled but didn't pull away. "Fine. Help me."

"Thought you'd never ask." Without another word, he grabbed your hands and started skating backward.

You tensed. "Show-off."

Mikey shrugged, effortlessly gliding across the ice while keeping his hold on you. "Just making sure you don't break your neck."

Slowly, you found your rhythm. The steady pull of his hands helped, and for a moment, you almost felt like you were getting the hang of it. Then, as if the universe wasn't done humbling you, your skate caught at the wrong angle, and you lurched forward.

"Shit--!"

Mikey's grip tightened, but the sudden force sent both of you crashing down onto the ice.

A thud, followed by a groan.

You blinked, realizing you had landed right on top of him, your hands braced against his chest. For a second, there was silence until he broke it with a sound of laughter. A real, carefree laugh that made his eyes crinkle at the corners.

You couldn't help it. Seeing him like that, so unguarded, had your own laughter bubbling up.

Mikey grinned up at you, his hands still resting on your waist. "Y'know, if you wanted to be this close, you could've just asked."

You rolled your eyes but didn't move away. "Oh, shut up."

His smirk softened as he lifted a hand, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear. His fingers lingered against your cheek, warm despite the freezing air. The playfulness in his eyes melted into something else.