Page 33 of Melt His Heart

I had started competing in smaller competitions pretty early on, winning gold almost every time. Soon, I had been scouted and went off to Seoul to hone my skills further. Just seeing my parents beaming ear to ear every time, bragging to their friends back at home about how amazing I was and how I was going to be an Olympian. It made me feel like I was flying.

Then one day it just started to feel suffocating; not the act of skating itself, no, but the pressure of winning. I never want to see them stop smiling.

I’m finally getting into a bit of a routine with my new school here in Seoul. It’s been a bit of an adjustment, especially without my parents. Feeding myself, studying, and training on the ice; it was a lot to juggle at first, but I think I’m used to it now. I walk into class and take my usual seat behind the most popular boy in school. I get why he’s popular; he’s really beautiful, and he’s also the top student in our class. I guess I’ve also amassed a bit of attention too, because the other students caught wind that I’m going to nationals this year.

I’m expected to make podium, to take home gold.

That didn’t stop them from whispering about me though: “He skates well, and he’s pretty enough, but his personality is kind of bad, isn’t it?”

“I think he’s kind of cold.”

As if I couldn’t hear them.

Was I cold? Or was I just quiet?

Not that I cared, the only thing I cared about was winning. I had been working extremely hard, so hard some nights I feel like my body might fall apart after practice. And thank god I’ve been granted half days when needed. The teacher walks in right after Jaein takes his seat in front of me; I can smell his strawberry-scented shampoo from here.

“Ok, class! It’s time for your annual group project. You’ll be working on this project in pairs, which I’ve already decided on, so don’t even look to your friends.”

The entire class sighs in disappointment. Group projects are always dreaded, but they’re not as bad with people you know. It doesn’t really make a difference for me since I haven’t spent enough time at school to make any friends. So I don’t think I care who I end up with as long as they do their share of the work.

“Juyeon and Jaein! You’re a pair.”

Oh, I didn’t think it would be Jaein, though. My mouth goes dry when he looks back at me and nods. I nod back, and he turns back toward the board. Ok, maybe I do care about who I get paired with. Anyone but him would be nice.

We all split off with our partners after class; we’re allowed to move to a quieter space outside the classroom to start working. Jaein and I decide to find a corner in the library away from everyone and what feels like everything.

“Alright, this is gonna be our secret spot.” He declares with a soft smile. Our secret spot. Right. The way he says it makes my skin flush.

“Ok…sounds good,” I say quietly and sit down on the floor against a bookshelf. Jaein comes down to sit next to me, a bit close, I think, but I don’t say anything because he feels warm.

“Your skating is pretty cool.” I look over to him in shock.

“Oh…thanks,” I mumble, my cheeks growing hot.

“Well, let’s get started, shall we?” Jaein chuckles, pulling out his textbooks from his bag.

* * *

Jaein and I have been doing great with our project. We decided to meet twice a week in our spot to work on it. I’m pretty sure we’re going to ace it, especially because his academic skill definitely precedes him; I guess textbooks are to him what the ice is to me.

I almost feel bad for not being able to do as much, but he tells me it’s ok. He’s so sweet and caring; he always brings me fruit and sneaks me milk in, even though we’re not supposed to have drinks in the library. Water and paper don’t mix, and we can be a bit careless.

He always asks me how my practice is going. He says he wants to come and watch me skate. Honestly, I hope he does. The first person outside of my family, being Jaein makes me feel way too giddy. We exchanged numbers, sometimes we stay up all night texting back and forth.

Jaein: You fell asleep in class today lol

Me: Yeah and you didn’t even wake me up..I got in trouble.

Jaein: Sorry you were too cute…figured you were tired from skating.

Me: Oh….thanks? I guess lol.

Jaein: I’ll bring you more snacks to make it up to you

Me: I’d like that :)

I know it’s stupid, but I think I’m starting to like him.