Love Him...Forever

March 27, 2015

Though Nam and Javier were excited to see Shine and Allen, Monika's excitement was the most obvious.

"Hey! Hana, what are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming!" Monika asked in a surprised tone before immediately hugging Shine.

"Coach Brian asked me to bring Allen. Apparently, he needs Allen's Russian tongue," Shine explained. Monika released her from the hug, a devilish smile forming on her lips.

"I see," she replied, lifting one eyebrow. Allen caught on quickly and decided to play along with the teasing. He looked at Shine with a playful, dimpled smile.

"Actually, she didn't want to come, but I insisted," Allen said as he held Shine's hand.

"Allen, this is the second time Yuzu and I have seen you kiss Hana. Don't tell me it's still nothing," Javier grinned at the two of them.

Actually no, Javi. The first one—I'll admit—was real. But this one is just a show, Shine's inner self snapped in defense. Sensing Shine was about to say something, Allen gave her hand a gentle squeeze, signaling her not to respond.

"So what now?" Javier pressed.

Neither of them answered. Allen simply looked at Shine with those expressive eyes and flashed another naughty smile—enough to make everyone excited except Yuzuru. Shine's eyes narrowed when she saw Yuzuru standing beside Kazumi. He was staring intently, while Kazumi awkwardly pretended not to notice anything.

Before anyone could speak again, Coach Brian appeared behind them.

"Hana, Allen—glad you made it," he said cheerfully. Nam, Monika, Yuzuru, Kazumi, and Javier stepped aside to give him space.

Coach Brian shook Allen's hand firmly, then handed both Shine and Allen a set of guest passes. "These are your passes for tonight and tomorrow."

They accepted them gratefully.

Coach Brian looked at his students and asked, "Yuzu, Nam, Javi—why are you still here? Go change and be on the ice in five."

The three skaters immediately obeyed, leaving Monika, Kazumi, Shine, and Allen behind.

Monika quickly wrapped her arm around Shine's. "What are you doing today?" she asked excitedly.

"Nothing, I guess?" Shine replied, unsure.

"Good! We can go shopping for dresses!" Monika squealed.

"Dress... for what?" Shine asked.

"For the gala, silly!" Monika beamed.

Seeing Shine's confusion, Coach Brian stepped in. "The gala is for family, friends, and coaches as well. You and Allen are my guests."

Monika turned back to Shine. "So? Can we go?"

Allen nodded, giving Shine permission. Monika nearly jumped in excitement. "Thank you, Allen!"

With everything settled, Shine and Monika prepared to leave.

"But isn't it too early?" Shine asked. "I doubt any malls are open. Plus... I just arrived earlier. I'm still jet-lagged."

"Right—where are you staying? We can rest there first," Monika said. She finally noticed Kazumi still standing silently. "But what do we do about her?"

"Kazumi, do you want to stay here or go to your hotel?" Shine asked in Japanese.

"I'll stay here. Team Japan will arrive soon," Kazumi replied.

Shine translated, and Monika nodded. "Great! Then it's just us two."

They left Kazumi behind.

Shopping in Shanghai

Two hours later, Shine and Monika left their hotel to shop—Allen stayed behind.

"Boys just don't like shopping," Shine convinced herself with a sigh.

As they walked, someone waved from a distance. The closer she came, the more familiar she looked.

"Mikka?" Shine asked.

"I think so," Monika replied.

Mikka reached them with a smile. "Hana? Monika?"

"Hi Mikka! What are you doing here?" Monika asked.

"Yuzu invited me, but I arrived late last night so I missed his short." Mikka looked disappointed. "And you two?"

"Nam invited me," Monika said. Then she nudged Shine.

"Coach Brian needs Allen. That's why I'm here too," Shine said shortly. She didn't feel like telling Mikka too much—after all, Mikka was not one of the good guys.

"Want to join us? We're shopping for the gala," Monika offered.

"You're attending too?" Mikka asked.

Shine and Monika nodded.

"That's great. At least I won't be alone," Mikka said, suddenly linking her arms with both of them, surprising them slightly.

The three of them began their shopping journey—boutique after boutique—until they finally found their dresses.

Shine chose a plain black, fitted off-shoulder dress that hugged her silhouette perfectly. Shoes came next, and that part was blissfully easy. Accessories followed, where Shine quietly picked a simple silver necklace chain—something that held deeper meaning only to her.

Afterwards, Mikka went back to her own place while Shine and Monika returned to the hotel.

Long Program Day

Shine squeezed Allen's hand as she watched Yuzuru struggle through his jumps.

"Relax, Hana, you're squeezing too hard," Allen whispered.

"Sorry," she said, eyes glued to the ice.

But Yuzuru recovered—stronger and sharper.

"Go Yuzu!" Shine shouted happily when he finished.

"If I knew you liked this sport this much, I'd have chosen figure skating instead of medicine," Allen joked softly.

Shine smiled. "Allen, being a doctor is brave. And I'm sure you look super cool in the OR."

"But... they—figure skaters— make you smile. To see you smile is the best sight for me, Hana." Allen replied sincerely.

"I'll smile for you always," Shine said, brushing her hand gently along his cheek.

When Yuzuru's score came—271.08—Shine jumped in excitement. Allen simply smiled at her enthusiasm.

Javier skated next. Strongly. Beautifully.

"Javier will win over Yuzu today," Allen predicted.

When the score came—273.90—Allen smirked victoriously.

"Told you."