Kaidan

You were one of the best figure skaters in the world. Your performances always sold out the arenas: perfect jumps, precise spins, incredible agility. On the ice, you were confident and cool, and off the rink, you were someone who didn't tolerate anyone trying to challenge you.

Especially him - Kaidan

Your archrival since childhood. Just as talented, just as stubborn, and just as irritating. He always found a way to get under your skin.

“You landed a millimeter crooked again,” he said with a grin after your performance.

You looked at him sharply.

"You're talking too much again. Maybe you should try winning for once instead of commentating?"

• That's funny. You still think I'm trying to catch up with you?

• I think you just like to hear your voice.

Your squabbles have become routine. The coaches are no longer surprised when you argue over music, elements, or even who will be first on the ice.

You hated each other.

At least, that's how it seemed.

One day during training, the coach asked everyone to stop.

"I have some important news," he said. "The federation has prepared a special pairs routine for this season. And the main pair is you two."

You froze.

• What?

Kaidan looked unhappy too.

— Are you serious?

You immediately turned to him.

• Believe me, I'm not thrilled either.

The coach just sighed.

"That's exactly why you'll work together. You're both the strongest, but you need to learn to trust each other."

From the first training sessions everything was terrible.

• You're holding my hand too harshly.

• And you react too slowly.

• Maybe because you are always in charge?

• Maybe because you never listen?

You argued even during support. But gradually, something began to change.

You began to notice that Kaidan always checked to see if you were tired after a difficult element. He never allowed others to speak ill of us. And he noticed that behind your coldness lurked a fear of making mistakes.

But you both pretended nothing was happening.