ENSLAVED TO HIM

s 𝓟𝓞

�𝖙𝖘, 𝖇𝖗𝖆𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖞 𝖋𝖎

̩̙‧ƙ ✩*̩̩̥ƙ

have been built more for use than comfort. The chamber hummed with the subdued noises of the bu

. Each slide featured athletes wearing padding like armor, their faces hidden behind masks of anger and resolve.

e's thoughts, declared, "This season, we're focusing on the personal stories behind the helm

of memories. I had once danced on comparable ice with my partner, whose laughter used to fill the air around us, while my skates made graceful, precise arcs in the spotlight. However, those times had come to an abrupt end when he fell ill,

presence was thrilling. San was a very charismatic and talented person who was well-known for his playboy antics off the rink as

pointing specifically at me. "You will cover San. It's a high-prof

s heat slowly made its way up my neck. Anxiety tightening my throat, I nodded softly. The challenge was intimidating not just because San was a notoriousl

ntinued to sit there, holding onto the dropped pen while the assignment's burden weighed heavy on my shoulders. I felt as though the i

gs when I felt a touch on my shoulder. One of my few compani

background, the tidbits I had let to fall through the cracks during late-night

... it's a lot," with a faint sm

at's big. But you know, maybe it's a good thing, getting

e ice... it's where everything ended. And now, it's where I have to

s, Zain, maybe it's not about the ending or the starting over. Maybe it's about the middle, the story you're about to tell. You're a

rvousness. Like a looping highlight reel, the pictures of the rink, the players, and most

l try to think of it that way

too tough, just think about all the juicy details you'll have for your arti

swered, the laughter that erupted between

you think you'll ever skate again?" His tone was cautious, as

w how... without him, you know?" I said in a voice that was just audible above a whisper, the type of silence you c

others should judge you for," Pyo remarked softly, his tone direct but his words cautious. He paused

own at them. My voice trembled just enough to make me feel embarrassed, and I tried to calm it by clearing my throat. "He felt like half of me. And we w

ating system. There was nothing for him to say. It was enough to ground me to hear his footfall next to mine. That was h

side the door and stared up at the sky, my breath puffing out in a little cloud. Slowly and delicately, snow was

and said, "Maybe no one can take that place, and maybe they're not supposed to. But," pau

away. Around us, the snow fell silently, landing on my shoulders and causing the chill to penetrate into my flesh. It seemed l

lanket of white that covered our shoulders and the ground. The world appeared

u know, when you're ready, maybe the ice can be part of your healing, not just a reminder

lien, but I hadn't previously given myself permission to think of it as a place of healing rather than suffe

the most I had conceded in a long time. "But it's going to t

ely, his reassurance that "It's a process, Zain. And it's okay to take it o

night seemed to amplify the sounds. Every stride served as a reminder of the her

ot just about confronting your past with the ice. It's also a chance to redefine your re

nd more like a tool for change. With the journalist in me clinging to the comforting familiari

r than mine at the moment. "And I'll be here, you know.

t was a palpable warmth against the cold, like a light in the night. Now that the streetl

warm as the light overhead. "For listen

the chilly air as he grinned

on, the snow, and Pyo's soft prodding were all a part of the complex process of progress. I might not be able to return to th

the bus started its leisurely ride through Seoul's snow-covered streets, the warmth inside providing a sharp contrast to the fre

lights swirled over the snowflakes, transforming them into brief bursts of brightness before vanishing into the darkness. It was st

know, San has a game this weekend. It might be good to go, see him in his element before you

ena once more, experiencing the cold ice and hearing the scrape of skates. Nevertheless, there was an irresistible al

him there, in his world, might help me understand him better. And m

step, Zain. Just take it as that. No press

iny seed of resolve sprout inside of me as the doors shut and the warmth returned to our surroundings. Pyo was correct; this was about taking charge of my

convince myself than to let Pyo know. "It'll b

ou, Zain. And hey, if you need company, just say the word

h that felt fantastic. "I might t

ratorial whisper. "I heard Choi San is the best on ice-not just because of his skill, but

read the articles about him. Everyone seems to think he's the whole p

ed in to hear him say, "Oh, he's definitely a playboy. But apparent

"What do you mean?" Pyo's smile, which

bite he was enjoying. For dramatic effect, he paused and looke

ity winning out. "W

BDSM," just above a whisper. He leaned back against the seat,

ief. "What?" I stumbled and spoke louder than I meant to. When a few individuals looke

. I didn't say I knew it for a fact. Just some rumors floating around. You know how people

said, I just gazed at him. "BDSM?" I said aga

raising his hands defensively as I gave him a wide-eyed glance. "Apparently, he's got a bit of a reputatio

nating than Pyo's arrogant look. I couldn't stop the pictures from racing through my head. Without this additi

my breath, "Great," "That's exactly what