two worlds ; nathan chen

01;

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"Hani! Hurry up!"

"Sori, I'm coming as fast as I can," I sigh, walking down the stairs of the Gangneung Ice Arena. Currently, we're at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where I'll be performing at the closing ceremony. However, my sister and I came to early to see the events.

I sit in my seat, panting. "You know, for being a superstar and all, you're pretty out of shape," Sori says. I glare at my younger sister. "Hey, don't be rude. I could have made you pay for these tickets."

She shrugs, looking around at the skaters. Tonight was the men's short program, and my sister was clutching onto the Winnie the Pooh plushie she had brought for Yuzuru Hanyu. "He's going to get a hundred of those tonight," I laugh.

"It's what he deserves," Sori says. Suddenly, she gasps. "Hani! It's Nathan Chen!"

I look down to where she's pointing, quickly finding the American skater. He was talking to his coach, and looked nervous.

"You two should totally date," my sister giggles. I slap her arm, "Shut your mouth. You know I'm not allowed. Plus, he probably doesn't even know who I am."

"Actually," Sori begins. "I hear he like, loves you." 

"Bullshit," I mutter. 

Sori grabs my hands, pouting. "Hani, please date Nathan. Make my dreams come true."

"I am not dating him just because you want to," I tell her, ripping my hands from her grasp. 

She crosses her arms, before muttering something under her breath. Before I can ask what she said, the event begins.

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"Representing the United States of America, Nathan Chen!"

Sori squeals, clapping as Nathan steps onto the ice. "Quad king, he's going to do so well!"

She was wrong.

The first fall was brutal enough, but I had hope that he would come back for the others. I too, was wrong. But when he slipped a second and third time, I almost felt as if I was the one falling.

The second the music ends, you can see nothing but disappointment on his face. After bowing, he skates off the ice, quickly walking to the kiss and cry.

"I wonder what happened," Sori pouts. I recall seeing numerous articles from the American media that seemed quite insistent on Nathan being the U.S.'s only chance for gold. "Maybe he had too much pressure on him, and it got to him," I suggest.

Sori nods, going to say something, but it cut off by the announcers.

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Following the event, I was backstage, talking to Cha Junhwan and congratulating him on his skate. Junhwan says goodbye, wishing me luck on my performance. I turn around to come face to face with Adam Rippon.

"Adam!" I smile. He gasps slightly. "You know me?" he questions. I nod. "Of course, you're incredible."

He pulls me into a hug. "I literally adore you, miss Hani. I didn't know you were here." 

"I came to watch the event with my sister. We love figure skating," I tell him. "Well, then it's official, figure skating is the best sport," Adam laughs.

"You were incredible out there, by the way," I say. "Oh, thank you!" he smiles.

"Hani! There's someone I want you to meet!" 

I turn around to see Sori leaning around a corner, waving me over. "Adam! Come here, too," she says upon seeing the other skater.

I make my way over to her, wondering who she wants me to meet so badly. Then, as I come closer, I see exactly who it is.

Nathan Chen.