The dormitory was buzzing with a strange mix of exhaustion and excitement after the competition. Lucy flopped onto her bed, practically bouncing, and grinned at Maya.
"Wow, Maya! I can't believe it—you actually beat Lucas!"
Maya gave a soft smile, shrugging slightly.
"I'm still in shock myself…"
Sophia, serious but kind, added,
"Lucas's performance was incredible, but honestly? Seeing how much you've improved—I had to vote for you."
Lucy nodded. "Same here. Lucas's moves were clean, sure, but they were the same ones he used last year. His whole performance, even his expression, hadn't changed at all!"
Maya raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Why would it? Isn't a technical move just… what it is?"
Lucy laughed. "Technically, yes. But Coach Lian always says as you become more advanced, the expression on your face, the energy, even your posture—those should evolve too. Judges pick up on those little things."
Maya blinked. "That's… actually really interesting. I never thought of it like that."
Sophia added, "Exactly. Lucas was flawless, but he didn't grow. You, on the other hand, showed real development. Today's performance? Totally different from your first one."
Lucy chimed in again, "Yup! Lucas had the same old smug look the entire time."
Maya laughed softly. "You guys are really observant…"
That night, Maya lay awake, staring at the ceiling, Lucy and Sophia's words replaying in her mind.
"Coach Lian Victor… Does he really pay attention to that level of detail?"
---
The next morning, Lucas was the first one at the rink. Without saying a word, he headed straight for the ice and began practicing.
One of the coaches approached him.
"Lucas, want to go over today's routine together?"
Lucas, mid-spin, replied flatly,
"No. I don't need to."
"But we have a schedule—"
"I have my own."
The coach frowned but left without pressing further.
Meanwhile, Maya—on her way out of the academy for some errands—spotted Lucas from a distance. She paused, watching as he executed an impossibly difficult combination.
"Unbelievable... such skill…" she thought, unknowingly stepping closer.
Lucas noticed her and skated over, his tone sharp.
"What? Still think you're better than me?"
"I never said that."
"But you looked pretty thrilled about winning. You've been dreaming of beating me, haven't you? Just so you know—this isn't over. Next stage, we'll face off again."
"I'm not here to compete with you, Lucas. Believe it or not, you've always been one of my ice skating role models."
Lucas scoffed.
"You're a smooth talker… but let's be honest, you've wanted to take me down from the start. You'll regret it."
"There's no point talking to you…"
Maya turned and walked away. Lucas called out behind her with a smirk,
"Go ahead. I'll be seeing you again soon."
---
Over the next few days, Lucas pushed himself harder than ever in practice. From the observation window, Coach Lian Victor watched him intently.
One of the other coaches joined him.
"Seems like losing affected him. He's really stepped it up."
Lian narrowed his eyes.
"He's not training. He's trying to prove something to Maya."
"Maybe he's just getting ready for the next round?"
"No... he's preparing himself for her."
"Well, either way, it'll help him be more ready for the Olympic qualifiers."
Lian nodded slowly.
"Yes... but I need to make sure Maya doesn't get crushed by this pressure. We need to change the dynamics between them."
"You can't change Lucas's personality."
"Then we'll make sure he sees hers."
"That's not going to be easy. Maya avoids him like the plague."
Lian smirked.
"Then we'll force them to work together. Whether they like it or not."
---
A week later, a secondary competition was held for those with lower scores. Lucas dominated with ease. During the awards announcement, his competitive gaze locked on Maya. Lian noticed immediately.
The next day, Coach Lian gathered all skaters—both residents and non-residents—who had qualified for the next stage.
From atop the staircase, his voice rang out:
"You've all made it to the next round. But this time, you won't be skating solo. The next stage is Ice Dance Pair. I know most of you specialize in singles, but this will test your coordination and adaptability. No complaints will be accepted."
Murmurs spread among the skaters.
Lian continued: "Pairs have been selected based on your performance in the last round. You'll share points with your partner, and only pairs with strong harmony will move forward."
A skater raised a hand.
"But what if one partner works harder? That's not fair—"
"No exceptions," Lian said sharply. "Names will be posted on the board shortly, and your coaches will give you your updated training schedules. And remember—if either of you refuses to cooperate, both will face consequences."
He turned and walked away.
Excitement and anxiety erupted. Everyone rushed to the announcement board. Lucas was already there, eyes locked on the list—until they widened in shock. He spun around, fuming, and glared at Maya.
Maya leaned toward Lucy.
"Why's he giving me that death stare? What's his problem now?"
Lucy shrugged.
"Whatever he saw—it definitely pissed him off."
Maya marched forward, stopping directly in front of Lucas.
"What now? What crime did I commit this time?"
Lucas pointed to the list.
"See for yourself."
Maya scanned down the names—her eyes froze on one pair.
Lucas Valen – Maya Arash
"WHAT?!" she gasped. "No way! That's impossible!"
Lucas scoffed.
"Don't play dumb. I bet you had this arranged. You wanted to pair with me, didn't you?"
"Me?! Are you insane?"
She stormed toward Lian Victor's office. Lucas hesitated, then followed.
"I need to talk to him too," he muttered.
Before Lucas could knock, Maya barged in.
Lian, pouring himself coffee, jumped at the sudden intrusion and spilled some on his hand.
"Argh! That's HOT! What is WRONG with you two?!"
Lucas stepped forward.
"Coach, I was going to—"
Maya interrupted.
"What is this about?! Why am I paired with him?!"
Lucas growled, "Him? You mean me?!"
Maya hissed, "Whatever."
Lucas muttered, "Fine by me."
Lian sighed, holding his burned hand.
"I told you—pairings are based on your scores. You two were nearly equal. Just one vote apart."
Lucas snapped,
"You're comparing me to her?! That's insulting!"
Maya shot back,
"Oh, please. You think you're so pro, but no one's impressed!"
Lucas stepped closer, his eyes blazing.
"What did you just say?!"
Maya stepped up too, nose-to-nose.
"You heard me. And I'm not an amateur."
Suddenly, Lian's voice boomed through the room:
"YOU'RE BOTH DISMISSED! Get out of the Silver House and take your bickering outside!"
The room went silent.
"OUT!" he barked, pointing to the door.
Lucas opened his mouth,
"But coach—"
"I'm sorry…" Maya muttered.
Lian took a deep breath, calming slightly.
"I said no objections. And now you show up here fighting like children?"
Lucas: "It's all her fault!"
Maya: "You started it!"
"ENOUGH!"
Simultaneously, they both said:
"…Sorry."
Lian crossed his arms.
"I'll give you one last chance. Say it out loud—you're happy to be paired and will give it your all."
Silence.
"I didn't hear you."
Reluctantly, both mumbled,
"…We'll try."
"Good. Now get back to the rink and start your training."
They left, visibly annoyed. As soon as they stepped into the hallway, the argument resumed.
Lucas hissed,
"This is your fault. You didn't even knock!"
Maya snapped,
"Oh please! Like you're so polite! This isn't about knocking. It's about you being an ego maniac!"
Lucas shouted after her,
"You're unbelievable! Don't act like I'm the bad guy here!"