In Love Again

Prologue

新生活 - shin seikatsu; new life

"Japanese Rising Star Sawamatsu Fujio of men's figure skating is aiming to reach gold in this year's Junior World Championship. The 14-year-old, who started to make a name a few years back is confident that he'll make it into the podium with the help of his legendary coach."

"Wow, legendary?" I chuckled at the newspaper, feeling overwhelmed by the fact that they called me "legendary." Have they ever called me that while I was skating? I couldn't remember, maybe I was too focused on myself and not on the media? I shuffled through the pages until the very last one, sighing with a smile. I'm glad that Japan's figure skating is still alive as ever. Many of the newbies from other countries are really skilled as well. I stretched my back and arms, gently massaging my right leg afterwards. If I only didn't injure you that day, huh?

"Hanyu-senshū!"

I turned around, grinning and waving at my student. "Ah, Fujio! You're here."

"What, am I too early?" Fujio answered and let out a short laugh, noticing the newspaper I was holding. "Oh, you've read it! I'm the headline, aren't you proud?"

"I am," I said, patting his head, "I'm very proud of you, Fujio."

I put my newspaper down and grabbed my tea, taking a gulp before shooing Fujio into the rink.

It's been 4 years since my last olympics have passed. But.. I don't kind of want to talk about it. People have been trying to persuade me to do interviews about what I felt about it but I've always refused.

I'm 28 now. My passion for skating is still the same, that burning passion, but I'm pouring it all to Fujio and my other students. Fujio is the only professional skater that I train. I wanted to focus on one person to make sure that he'll be on top -- all the time. However, I teach small kids how to skate in my spare time. Everyone knows that I'm fond of children. Well, they're fond of me as well.

"Hey champ!" A woman called, carrying a toddler while entering the rink side. She smiled and I waved my hand at her. Speaking of children.

"Hello, my dearest sister Saya." I greeted and looked at the tiny human she was carrying, pinching her cheek gently. "Hello to you too, my dearest niece Mutsumi!"

Saya chortled and made Mutsumi wave at me. Mutsumi continued to suck her thumb as I get her from my sister.

"Mutsumi, Mutsumi." I repeated while swaying her in my arms.

My sister smiled at me warmly. "Look at you. You've always looked so good with children."

I responded with a laugh. "I love them," I fixed Mutsumi's ribbon and placed a kiss on her head. "But I love Mutsumi more!"

"Oh, Yuzuru." Saya laughed whilst shaking her head. "Then why don't you get one?"

"Get one? Where, from the department store?" I reciprocated her laugh as well. "I don't even have a wife."

"Then get one from the department store." She rolled her eyes at me and took Mutsumi back to give her her bottle. "Okay, seriously Yuzuru, you're 28. You should be engaged by now or something."

"Are we having this talk again?" I heaved a sigh and fiddled with the same black gloves I wore ever since. "I'm busy with my kid," I pointed at Fujio with my thumb, "and my 12 other little kids. I can't afford to find someone, you know."

"You've been busy ever since! And didn't you find someone before?" Saya asked which made me look at her. Suddenly, my heart skipped a beat.

"The girl from Canada.. what was her name again?"

"That's such a long time ago, sis. I.." I looked away and scratched my rear head. "I've forgotten her name anyway."

"Oh, did you? That's too bad. Looks like you two didn't end up really well."

I continued to stare at nothing, but all of the memories came back all of a sudden. I thought I've forgotten them all already. I thought..

Saya playfully pinched my cheek, which took me back to reality. "Alright, Mutsumi and I were actually going to the mall. Just wanted to stop by to check on my baby brother. Say bye to uncle Yuzu!"

"Bye bye, take care."

"Get me a sister-in-law already, baby bro!"

Mutsumi waved at me and so did Saya. I watched them go, a small smile evident on my face. But it faded once I remembered her face. Remembered -- no, I never forgot it. I never forgot her name.

Aren, where are you?