The moment our fingers met, a jolt ran through me. His grip was firm, grounding me, yet his fingers were gentle enough and soverycareful. There was nothing reckless about his touch. Wynter held me as I took that first, unsteady step onto the ice, the cool surface meeting my blades with a slight, terrifying give.Instantly, I could feel my balance shift, my knees wobbling as I tightened my grip on his hand.
“Relax,” he said, his voice a low, almost amused murmur that somehow cut right through my panic. He stepped closer, guiding me forward so he was just in front of me, close enough that I could see the faint silver flecks in his eyes. “You’re thinking too much. Focus on your centre of balance. Trust the ice.”
“I don’t know how,” I admitted suddenly feeling incredibly anxious.
“Mimic my body language, don’t curl in on yourself, open up, Yesoh.”
Easy for him to say. But I forced myself to take a breath, letting his steady grip anchor me. Copying his stance, my feet trembled, my knees felt like jelly, and every muscle in my body was tight with the urge to grip onto him for dear life. But there was something about the way he held me—close enough to be reassuring, distant enough to remind me that he wasn’t going to do all the work.
“Just take it slow,” he instructed, his eyes watching me intently, like he was studying my every move. He had this strange way of looking right through me, and it sent another wave of nervousness curling through my stomach.
Somehow, with Wynter holding onto me, I managed to take a few tentative glides forward. My legs shook, my balance wavered, and every time I thought I might tip over, his hand would tighten, steadying me. I couldn’t tell if I was more frustrated or relieved.
“Not bad,” he said, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, and that sure as hell did it because the instant he separated from me, I made a sharp turn and fell to the floor. “Well.”
“Ow.” I cursed under my breath, struggling to get up and falling back down every time. Wynter just stood there above me. “This is impossible!”
“Far from it. Just do what your godforsaken pride won’t let you and ask for my help.”
“I’d ratherdie,” I responded. “I don’t need your help.”
“Then stand up,” he directed, and I attempted once more but failed miserably.
“I…just…do it okay,” I huffed.
“Do what?” he teased.
“Pleasejust help me, Wyn.” My voice came out far more vulnerable than expected. I even let the nickname we all used to call him slip, and I could tell his eyes softened that. “Please, you know I can’t do this without you.”
He then reached out his hand to help me up and anchor me, “You’ll soon learn that a huge part of learning to skate is knowing when to ask for help, and that unlike everything else youcannotandwillnotbe perfect at it on your first attempt.”
“Whatever,” I grumbled.
“You’re truly the most stubborn person I’ve ever come across, Yesoh Yeo.” He shook his head with a smile. “Skate around the rink ten times. For the last five you can’t hold onto the railing.”
“You’re insane,” I huffed, sweating profusely.
“You’re yet to see that side of me, so don’t awaken it so early,” he warned, skating away and leaving me alone in the middle of the ice.
Cold, was indeed his nature. Maybe there was no rewiring that.
“That’s all for today. Try to keep up next time because we’ll be doing a lot more than just balance exercises and gliding.”
I rolled my eyes as Wynter glided away, fading into the distance. And just like that he was gone.
Just then I heard a round of applause and caught a glimpse of Cahya and Soleh sitting by the bleachers with mouthfuls of assorted snacks. Soleh’s fluffy red scarf was practically swallowing him whole. “Yay, go, Soh!” he cheered, and I couldn’t help but smile.
Always my number one cheerleaders.
“How did you guys know I’d be here?” I wondered, making my way over to them as I began to take off my skates.
“Did you not want us to come?” Soleh pouted, looking disappointed.
“No it’s not that, I’m just surprised,” I clarified and hugged him with one arm. “I’m always happy to see you, Soleh.”
“Hey! What about me?” Cahya gasped in offense.
“You are annoying,” I reminded him, “Soleh is normal and peaceful.”
