Love Him...Forever

When Hana meets Yuzuru again

"So since when?" Monika asked excitedly.

Shine glanced at Allen, who was standing with Coach Brian and a few Russian skaters—at least that's what Shine guessed—before turning back to Monika.

"Two days before yesterday," Shine began. "I was thinking about how kind he's been to me... and I never really did anything in return. So yesterday, I told him maybe we should give it a try. Because if it doesn't work out, we can still go back to the way things were. I don't want to lose him... he's way too precious to me." Shine admitted honestly.

Monika immediately hugged her.

"I'm so happy for both of you!" she exclaimed, and Shine could hear the joy in her voice.

"We're happy for you guys too," Javier added.

Nam simply gave two enthusiastic thumbs up.

Monika and Shine were chatting in one corner when a not-so-tall man approached them.

"Hello! I'm Denis Ten, but you can call me Den." He extended a hand to Shine first, then to Monika.

"Hi! I'm Hana," Shine said, trying to hide her giggles.

"And I'm Monika. Nice to meet you, Den." Monika smiled—then suddenly gasped. "Oh shoot! I need to go. I have to tell Javier something."

Before Denis could reply, Monika hurriedly disappeared.

"Please excuse her..." Shine said shyly.

"It's okay," Denis replied with a warm smile.

Oh my god, his dimples are so cute! her inner self screamed.

"By the way, are you a skater?" Denis asked.

"No, I'm not. I just work with them—I'm a receptionist at the club where Javi, Yuzuru, and Nam train."

"They must feel really inspired seeing you every day."

"I don't think I'm an inspiration to them," Shine laughed shyly.

"You would be my inspiration if I were there," Denis said smoothly.

Shine felt her face heat up—she knew she was blushing.

"It's... hot in here," she blurted, fanning herself.

"Oh! Sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," Denis apologized.

"It's okay. I just didn't expect an Olympic and World bronze medalist to notice me," Shine said, still shy.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Denis leaned closer, smiling.

Shine nodded.

"You're the most beautiful woman in this room," he whispered.

Shine turned even redder.

"Can I have your number?" he asked gently.

Before Shine could answer, Monika suddenly reappeared—perfect timing.

"She can, but what's the point if neither of you will text each other? I don't mean to be rude, but her boyfriend won't be happy if he finds out," Monika said bluntly. Her eyes flicked toward Allen and Yuzuru standing beside Coach Brian.

KILL JOY, Shine's inner self snapped.

"Don't mind her," Shine said quickly, trying to recover. "Maybe it's better if I get your number instead, and I'll try to text you."

Denis gave Shine his number, and she gave him her email in return.

"That secret I told you? It still stands. Bye," Denis said politely before walking away.

"What secret?" Monika asked, curious.

"Oh... nothing," Shine muttered, staring at Denis' number one more time before slipping her phone into her clutch.

Suddenly, Monika doubled over, clutching her stomach in pain. Shine quickly supported her back to their table—Monika's face had gone pale.

"Hana... upstairs... in the farthest room on the right wing," Monika gasped. "Nam and Javier put their stuff there. There's a bag with my meds near Nam's suitcase. Please... get it."

"Wait here," Shine said urgently. She immediately looked for Nam—he was talking with Jeremy Ten. Shine hurried toward him.

"Nam, Monika is having a severe stomach ache. Please stay with her while I get her meds," Shine instructed firmly. Nam followed without question.

She signaled to Allen that she'd be right back, but didn't wait for his response. She rushed out of the banquet hall.

Shine reached the room and searched frantically for the bag.

"Hello," a familiar voice said.

Shine turned and saw Yuzuru. She didn't answer—her focus was Monika's meds.

"What are you looking for?" Yuzuru asked.

"Monika's meds," Shine replied without glancing at him.

"You won't find them here," Yuzuru said softly.

"Why? Where are they?" Shine asked, confused.

"Monika's not sick. It was... a plan."

"Huh? Why?" Shine froze.

"They wanted us to talk—Nam, Javi, Monika... and honestly, I'm kind of part of it too," Yuzuru admitted.

"There's nothing for us to talk about," Shine said sharply, turning to leave.

But Yuzuru gently held her arm, stopping her.

"Please," he whispered.

That voice. That tone. Shine could never resist it.

She removed his hand but sat down on the couch, arms and legs crossed.

"Thank you," Yuzuru said quietly before sitting too.

"I want to apologize... I wasn't fair to you," he exhaled. "I never really gave you—Hana—a chance to be you. I kept seeing Shine in you."

"I thought you were different. I thought after what happened in Barcelona, everything was clear between us... but that was just all in my head," Shine said, disappointment heavy in her voice. She leaned back.

"Sorry," Yuzuru repeated, more sincerely this time. "I promise I'll see you as Hana... not as Shine." He raised his right hand as if taking an oath.

"How are you going to do that when you already think I'm her?" Shine asked.

"By starting with this."
Yuzuru extended his hand.

Shine frowned.

"We'll start properly, and forget the past months," Yuzuru said. Then, with a small smile, he introduced himself again—formally this time.

"I'm Yuzuru Hanyu, figure skater from Japan, currently training under Coach Brian Orser in Canada."

Shine took his hand.

"I'm Hana Kim, receptionist at the club."

They both smiled.

A beginning—again.