Chapter Text
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The main spotlights throughout the entire hall dimmed into darkness, leaving behind a single, warm beam of white-gold light focused squarely on the center of the vast ice rink. The clamor from the VIP stands and the thousands of spectators gradually hushed into a tense, breathless silenceThe national senior men's figure skating finals were about to begin.
On the smooth, pristine ice, Grox stood in all his elegant stature at the center of the rink. The light hit his body, encased in a exquisitely designed costume. The tight, monochrome long-sleeved top clung seamlessly to his upper body and razor-thin waist, perfectly accentuating his flawless physique as a world-class champion. Dimensional tailoring framed his elbows and slender arms, while sleek, slim-fit trousers flowed down into light-colored skate boots, creating a sculpted, elongated silhouette.
What truly took the audience's breath away, however, were two striking details: the dramatic tail of fabric cascading behind him like a noble coat, ready to billow with every movement, and a bright red ribbon tied into a loose knot around his neck. The vibrant red created a bold contrast against the monochrome outfit, drawing every eye up toward his stunning face. Yet, the element that sealed the enigmatic, spellbinding aura was the matte-black half-skull mask covering the upper half of his face. Behind the eye slits, his gaze was sharp, serene, and fiercely intense—the gaze of a reigning king.
Up in the North VIP stands, Froggy sat with his arms crossed, his body tense. The playful, mischievous smirk he usually wore was completely gone, replaced by sharp, intense eyes fixed on the figure on the ice with awe and fascination. He could feel it in his bones: the man standing out there wasn't just competing he was creating fine art on ice.
The opening piano notes of Ludovico Einaudi’s Experience echoed softly through the arena.
In that very second, the slender figure under the spotlight awakened. The fierce tranquility was shattered.
Grox didn't burst into a rapid glide right away; instead, he began by extending his long, slender arms into the air with deliberate restraint. The fabric tail swept behind him in response to his momentum, while the bright red ribbon fluttered like a spark ignited amidst the frozen air. The subtle, heavy crunch of skate blades slicing into the ice echoed faintly across the hall. Every stroke he carved onto the smooth surface looked like an exquisite, powerful stroke of a Chinese calligraphy brush.
His opening choreography effortlessly blended the delicate art of figure skating with raw, commanding power. The matte-black half-mask obscured his upper face, giving Grox the aura of an all-powerful, mysterious black swan. His eyes burned with unwavering resolve, pride, and sharp intent. Every glide, every edge extension, and every lean against the ice was anatomically flawless executed without a fraction of a second's hesitation. Every single movement was a masterclass in interpreting the piece's deep emotional weight.
As the piano accelerated, conveying a surge of longing and intense pressure, Grox extended a slender leg behind him, executing a high-speed Step Sequence. His skate blades deftly alternated between inside and outside edges. His upper body moved with fluid freedom while his lower body maintained absolute, weightless control. Looking straight ahead from behind the mask, his gaze held the thousands of spectators spellbound. No cheers, no whispers only the music and the sound of his blades ruled the world.
Then came the build-up to the climax. Grox accelerated backward at top speed, the cold wind whipping against his body and sending his long fabric tail fluttering violently. His eyes locked onto the take-off mark. Gathering all his power into his ankles and knees, he launched himself high into the air executing a flawless Quadruple Axel, just as he always had.
The slender figure spun four and a half rotations in mid-air with blinding speed and soaring height, defying the laws of gravity. Wrapped in sleek black with the red ribbon whipping wildly, his rotation looked like a breathtaking wave, a black swan spreading its wings to command the mortal world below before his right blade touched down on the ice with soft, seamless, and unshakeable stability.
Shhh-ck!
Ice spray burst into the air, glittering under the spotlights like stardust.
Up in the VIP section, Froggy stood up on instinct. His broad hands gripped the railing so tightly his knuckles turned white. His sharp green eyes stared at the scene before him, goosebumps breaking out across his skin. The Grox out there on the ice was no longer just the arrogant world champion who made sharp jabs at him every day at noon; he was a living sculpture, the true ruler of the ice rink breathtaking, noble, and radiating an unconquerable spirit of victory.
As Experience reached its thunderous climax, the piano and string arrangements swelled with majestic power. Grox didn't let the audience's awe fade for a single second; he transitioned into a Spin Sequence, combining his signature high-difficulty elements. He spun at such immense speed that his body blurred into a ribbon of black and red light, his coat tail and neck ribbon tracing a perfect circle before he transitioned into a Layback Spin arching his back with delicate grace, looking like a masterpiece of classical art.
The final note of the piece gently faded out. Grox brought his spin to an abrupt, powerful, and majestic halt. He stood still at the absolute center of the ice, his thin chest heaving with heavy breaths. Raising a slender hand, he gently pulled off the matte-black mask, revealing a striking face flushed with heat and sweat, his eyes blazing with the radiance of absolute victory.
Holding the mask up slightly, a proud, seductive smirk touched the corner of his lips. He flicked his gaze upward toward the North VIP section, locking eyes directly with Froggy, who was already staring down at him intently.
ROAR—!
Wild cheers and deafening applause shattered the roof of the arena. Hundreds of plush toys and red roses rained down from the stands onto the ice like a downpour. The performance had been flawless, legendary, and immaculate. The gold medal for his fourth national championship had been etched with Grox's name before he even set foot off the rink.
Amidst the shower of roses and applause, Grox bowed to the audience with the quiet majesty of a king. He glided into his cool-down along the edge of the rink, making sure to shoot one last condescending look paired with a smirk up toward the VIP section.
After the overwhelming score announcement, the victory ceremony, and a lengthy press conference, the evening light outside gave way to night.
…
Grox emerged carrying his large equipment bag, the gold medal gleaming around his neck. He had changed back into a sleek black shirt under a long coat, his dark hair still damp from the shower. And true to form, leaning against the wall right by the exit door was the tall figure of the hockey team captain, tapping his foot as he waited.
"Hey there, World Champion," Froggy stepped forward, a charming smile gracing his face as his eyes swept over the gold medal resting against Grox's chest. "Executing a quadrupled-rotation jump so perfectly that the entire hall forgot to breathe... Sitting up there, I really thought I was watching a swan take flight."
"Hmph..."
Grox crossed his arms, throwing his chin up with his signature teasing disdain. "Told you what level I'm on. So, how was it? Did you sit quietly like a good boy as promised?"
"Dead quiet. My hands are practically numb from clapping, though," Froggy chuckled softly. Stepping closer, he leaned down to whisper mischievously, "But you know what? When you landed and flicked your eyes up to look at me... you were dangerously attractive."
Grox froze momentarily, a bright blush rushing to his cheeks that he couldn't possibly hide. He quickly used a finger to push against Froggy's chest to mask his flustered reaction.
"Talking nonsense again..."
Grox narrowed his eyes, holding up the gold medal to show off right in front of Froggy's face. "See this medal? This is the result of precision... and the endurance to train under the annoyance of someone like you. What about you? The finals tomorrow... if you don't bring back a gold medal, don't you dare show your face in front of me again."
Froggy smirked, his eyes flashing with playful challenge. Reaching out, his fingers lightly brushed the edge of Grox's gold medal before meeting the four-time world champion's gaze directly.
"If I claim my 15th gold medal tomorrow..." Froggy's voice dropped into a low, smooth purr. "Tomorrow night... you're having a victory dinner with me as our very first 'date'. Deal?"
Grox's eyes widened slightly at the word date coming out of the hockey captain's mouth. His heart gave an erratic, wild thump against his ribs. Yet, ever the sharp-tongued competitor who refused to lose, Grox let a smirk curl his lips.
"Heh... win it first, hockey dog."
Grox snapped his head away, turning to lead the way out the door. But right before stepping through the frame, the slender skater paused, shooting a brief, backward glance at Froggy.
"Though if you actually manage to win I suppose I can lower myself to join you for a meal."
Leaving only those words behind, the 'King of Figure Skating' walked off with his chin held high, while Froggy stood there bursting into a hearty, delighted laugh more than ready to claim victory tomorrow for their very first date.
…
The next day — Inside the East Wing Skating Hall
If Grox’s figure skating rink was a runway of noble perfection, this national championship ice hockey arena was a raw, primal colosseum. The sharp THUD! of players slamming against the boards reverberated all the way up to the spectator stands. The bitter chill in the air collided with the roaring cheers of thousands of fans, who were practically beating against the safety glass.
Up in the East VIP section, Grox dressed in a dark, limited-edition collared shirt layered beneath a designer coat sat with his arms crossed, his eyes sweeping down over the rink. Though dark sunglasses obscured his face, his keen eyes behind the tinted lenses never strayed from the tall, heavily padded figure wearing jersey number 14 for even a single second.
As national team captain, Froggy led a fierce offensive charge. His powerful frame cut across the ice at breakneck speeds, his puck control showcasing a brilliant mastery worthy of his 14 gold medals. Feinting past the opposing defense to draw them out of position, he executed a high-level pass to shift the attack axis. The match raged with breathtaking intensity all the way into the final period.
The scoreboard held Froggy's team ahead at 3-2, with only three minutes remaining on the clock.
Tensions spiked to a boiling point as the opposing team began to lose their composure. During a sudden counter-attack along the boards, Breaker a towering defenseman for the rival team who had just been embarrassed by Froggy’s nimble dodge sprinted in and slammed Froggy ruthlessly against the barrier.
THUDDDDD!
The violent impact echoed across the entire arena, triggering a collective gasp from the audience. But before the referee could blow the whistle to stop play, an infuriated Breaker intentionally swung a heavy fist straight into the left side of Froggy's face.
SMACK!
The hockey captain’s handsome head snapped sideways from the force of the blow. The existing scrape on his cheekbone split open immediately, fresh red blood oozing down his face.
"HEY!!"
Outraged shouts erupted across the arena. Froggy's teammates instantly swarmed the opposing defenseman to retaliate, sparking a chaotic brawl. The referees blew their whistles frantically, rushing in to break up the scuffle while signaling a penalty.
Up in the VIP stands, Grox yanked off his sunglasses in an instant. His beautiful eyes widened in shock and sheer fury, his long, slender fingers gripping the railing so hard his knuckles turned white.
"Barbarians..."
Grox hissed through gritted teeth, his voice a low, icy murmur dripping with murderous intent. His eyes remained locked onto Froggy, who was lying face down on the ice.
On the ice, both benches were on the verge of clearing into a full-scale riot. The referees worked frantically to restore order, assessing a two-minute Minor Penalty to Breaker, sending him straight to the Penalty Box to reflect on his actions. Yet, the atmosphere grew even more volatile as a ref stepped up to check on Froggy, who was crouching and touching his face.
"Captain! Are you alright? Let's get you back to the bench to patch that up!" the referee urged with concern.
Froggy wiped the smear of blood off his cheekbone with a finger, completely unfazed. Looking up, he flashed a mischievous smirk at the referee and waved his hand off.
"I'm fine... A little blood is a long way from the heart, ref. Game's not over. Let's keep going."
Taking a deep breath, Froggy turned his gaze up toward the VIP stands, meeting Grox's eyes who looked so worried and furious he seemed ready to leap straight down from the balcony. Froggy gently tapped the plaster (the one Grox had applied for him days ago) right over the re-opened cut, flashing him a quick wink as if to say, 'I'm not dying, Little king.'
Grox rolled his eyes, letting out a long sigh as he sank back into his seat, his heart still pounding wildly against his chest That absolute mad dog.
When play resumed, fueled by pure adrenaline and vengeance on behalf of their captain, Froggy’s team went into full-on killer mode. Froggy took the puck single-handedly, weaving through the remaining defensive line and accelerating past the blue line. With a snap of his powerful arms, he unleashed a blistering slap shot that ripped through the air at terrifying speed.
SWISH! HOOOOOOORN!
The puck slammed into the back of the net, freezing the mesh solid. The scoreboard sealed the deal at 4-2 in the final second of the match.
ROAR—!
A deafening cheer erupted across the East Wing. The hockey players surged forward, tackling Froggy to the ice in a chaotic dogpile. His 15th national gold medal was officially guaranteed.
…
After the chaos of the victory ceremony and initial celebrations on the ice.
Inside the national team's locker room, hip-hop music blasted through the speakers as champagne sprayed everywhere in high spirits. The hulking athletes laughed loudly, gathering their gear as they prepared to head out for a massive after-party. Sitting on a wooden bench in his national warmup suit, stripped down to a t-shirt, Froggy pressed a fresh plaster over the open scrape on his cheekbone. Though a bright, satisfied grin lit up his handsome face, his eyes kept stealing glances at the wall clock.
Knock, knock, knock!
A firm knock at the door cut through the blasting music.
"Who's that? Late-night reporters again?"
one of the teammates muttered, walking over to open the door.
The moment the door swung open, however, the teammate froze. His eyes widened in absolute shock before a burst of snickers escaped his lips. Turning back toward the team captain, the massive player flashed a V-sign and let out a long whistle. "Wheeeew~!"
"What's got into you?" Froggy raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Super-premium VIP guest is here!"
Hearing that, two other teammates practically jogged over, grabbing Froggy by the arms and shoulders to drag the bewildered captain straight toward the entrance. "Get going, Captain! It's your duty to greet the guest yourself!"
"What are you guys—"
Froggy frowned, but as he was pushed right in front of the open doorway, his words died in his throat.
Standing at the threshold, Grox leaned casually against the doorframe in effortless elegance. The figure skater had changed into a crisp white shirt beneath a waistcoat and a tailored long coat, his light hair impeccably styled. In one slender hand, he held a massive bouquet of fresh white lilies, while the other playfully jingled a pair of luxury car keys between his fingers.
Grox's beautiful eyes flicked toward the fresh cut on Froggy's cheek. A flash of concern crossed his gaze for a split second before being replaced by his signature arrogant smirk and a condescending remark.
"Well... look at you, hockey dog. What a pathetic state," Grox said coolly, lifting his chin slightly. "Taking a hit so hard your head snapped I thought I'd have to carry you into an ambulance."
"Scared I wouldn't make it to our date, your Majesty?" Froggy grinned charmingly, taking a step closer to the doorframe.
"Ha... scared? Who's scared?" Grox pushed the large bouquet of lilies lightly against Froggy's chest to hide his embarrassment. "I only bought these to toss your way because you managed to win that 15th medal... And hang onto these car keys, because with that swollen face of yours tonight, I'm driving us to dinner!"
"So... you admit it then? That this really is our 'date'?"
Grox froze momentarily, his eyes flickering as he caught sight of the scene behind Froggy's broad shoulders. Over a dozen towering hockey players were poking their heads out, some clutching their hearts in theatrical romantic bliss, others winking and making snickering noises without an ounce of restraint.
A deep blush surged across Grox's handsome face, spreading all the way down his ears and smooth white neck! Quickly taking a step back, Grox held his head high, desperately trying to mask his overwhelming embarrassment.
"Ugh... well..."
Grox cleared his throat softly, straining to keep his tone as flat and authoritative as possible. "Of course it is! I'm a man of my word Since you won your 15th gold medal, I'm lowering myself to go on a date with you as promised!"
Finishing his declaration, Grox narrowed his eyes at Froggy with a teasing glare.
"But if you're going to stand there looking like an idiot, or if you'd rather stay here and let those street dogs behind you tease you all night, feel free to celebrate with your friends! I'll be waiting in the car You have five minutes. If you aren't down by then, I'm driving your car back to my condo without you!"
Grox snapped his head away, turning to head straight for the elevators with the tail of his long coat swishing behind him leaving behind only the scent of expensive perfume and his signature arrogant glare.
"Woah, woah! Look at the Captain! 'Lowering himself for a date,' huh?!"
"Awww yeah! Someone got a little Prince bringing flowers all the way to our locker room!"
"Our Captain's smooth as hell! Getting punched in the face but still walking away with a date with the World Champion!"
The locker room practically exploded with merciless teasing! The hockey players swarmed Froggy, clapping him on the back and shoulders, while a few even playfully mimicked Grox’s dramatic departure. Froggy who was normally thick-skinned and never embarrassed by anything felt his ears and neck burning bright red.
"Alright, that's enough out of you lot!" Froggy swore back half-heartedly, a flustered grin breaking across his handsome face. "Did hard practice fry all your brains?! Go sing your victory songs already!"
Carefully placing the bouquet of lilies on the table so it wouldn't get crushed, Froggy hurriedly grabbed his backpack and threw his jacket over his t-shirt, completely ignoring the roars of laughter chasing him out the door.
"Go easy on him, Captain! Your face is still swollen!"
"Yeah, yeah! Mind your own business!"
Froggy hollered back over his shoulder as he took long strides out of the locker room, heading straight down to the VIP parking lot.
Waiting below was a glossy black ultra-luxury car with its engine idling, headlights and taillights glowing softly in the dim space. Inside the driver's seat, Grox's elegant figure leaned his chin on his hand, watching through the window with an impatient, timekeeping gaze. Grinning broadly, Froggy jogged over, opened the passenger door, and slid inside. The crisp air-conditioning and Grox's intoxicating fragrance instantly surrounded him.
"4 minutes and 52 seconds..." Grox glanced down at the luxury watch on his wrist, a smug, teasing smirk touching his lips. "Average at best. I thought you'd be faster... you clumsy dog."
"I ran here at full speed, Your Highness," Froggy chuckled softly, leaning back against the leather seat as his glittering eyes settled on his gorgeous driver. "So... with a driver this stunning, where are you taking me on our date tonight?"
Grox let out a faint chuckle, shifting into gear and smoothly turning the steering wheel, maneuvering the car out of the training center with effortless grace.
"None of your business..."
Grox murmured coolly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead as the sleek black car glided smoothly into the illuminated night cityscape. "I told you, I'm taking you somewhere where a guy with a swollen face can sit without making me look bad."
"Sure thing, driver," Froggy smiled warmly, resting an arm on the window ledge as he gazed unabashedly at the man beside him. The passing streetlights flickered across Grox’s striking features, highlighting his elegant jawline and light hair like a living piece of sculpture. "Though this swollen face is what bought my 15th gold medal and our very first date."
"Hmph, nonsense as usual," Grox narrowed his eyes through the rearview mirror. But despite his quick comeback, a soft pink flush spread across his smooth cheeks. Clearing his throat softly to cover his embarrassment, Grox quickly changed the subject. "Does it hurt?"
Froggy raised an eyebrow slightly, his playful expression softening into surprise and warmth. "You mean the scrape on my face?"
"Of course. What else would I mean?" Grox let out a soft sigh. As the car came to a stop at a red light, he leaned over and reached out a long, slender hand, his cool fingertips lightly brushing the edge of the plaster on Froggy’s cheekbone with absolute care, as if afraid to cause him pain. "Getting hit full force like that and you were still out there smirking like an idiot... If you get your face smashed in next time, I really won't go out to dinner with you again."
The tender touch completely contradicted his sharp words, making Froggy laugh softly. The tall hockey captain reached up and loosely wrapped his fingers around Grox's wrist, gently pressing his cheek against the palm of Grox's hand. He held Grox's gaze, looking into beautiful eyes that failed to hide his deep concern.
"If you care this much even if I take ten more punches, I'd still win every single game just to show off for you," Froggy said in a low, tender voice.
"Smart mouth..."
Grox yanked his hand back to hide his flustered reaction just as the traffic light turned green. He accelerated down the road, holding his head high with playful arrogance. "Just wait. Once we get to the restaurant, I'm ordering the spiciest thing on the menu just to make your wound sting."
Before long, the luxury car pulled up to a high-end private rooftop restaurant situated atop a five-star hotel. Reserved in advance, the atmosphere was serene and secluded, bathed in the soft glow of scented candles with a breathtaking panorama of the city skyline reflecting off the floor-to-ceiling glass.
The host escorted the pair to a private table along the balcony. Grox seated himself with regal poise, while Froggy sat across from him, his eyes resting happily on the man before him.
"A view worthy of the price..." Grox remarked, taking a delicate sip from his water glass. His eyes swept across the shimmering city lights before flickering back to Froggy. "Well? Is this helping heal that wound on your face?"
"Just sitting here looking at you cuts the pain in half," Froggy replied with a teasing smirk.
"Nah, cheesy..."
Grox rolled his eyes, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips anyway. "Don't get cocky just because you won today. Your 15th gold medal is just the beginning... Next season, I'm taking home my 5th figure skating title regardless."
"Does that mean..."
Froggy leaned his chin on his hand, looking at Grox with fond, sparkling eyes, "...we have to go on a date to celebrate our championships every year then?"
Grox froze momentarily, his heart skipping a wild beat. His eyes flickered as he looked at Froggy’s handsome, bruised, yet utterly sincere face. Crossing his arms, the slender skater lifted his chin slightly to maintain his trademark air of aloof pride.
"It's not like we have to wait for a championship victory," Grox tilted his head slightly, his tone nonchalant. "Don't you ever want to go on a date on regular days?"
Froggy paused, his dark eyes widening slightly in genuine surprise at the words that had just slipped from the Ice King's mouth. Then, a slow, radiant smile spread across his face, pure affection and delight illuminating his eyes.
"Ho..."
Froggy let out a soft hum, leaning in slightly closer to the table as his gaze locked onto Grox, who was trying awkwardly to look away. "Am I hearing things, or did 'Lord Grox' just invite me out? The man who usually scowls at me three times a day is asking me out on a normal date?"
"Who's asking you out?!" Grox snapped his head back, glaring at him as a deep blush spread all the way to his ears. Trying desperately to keep his composure, he crossed his arms and lifted his chin with mock disdain. "I'm just... preventing you from using gold medals as an excuse to demand a date! Otherwise, if you ever lose, you'd probably pull that puppy-dog face and beg me to eat cheap street porridge with you!"
"Is that so?" Froggy winked, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Even if I lost , I'd still wrap my arms around your waist and beg you to eat street porridge with me anyway."
"Disgusting..."
Grox muttered, rolling his eyes, though he couldn't stop the fond smile curling his lips.
At that moment, a waiter in a sharp suit stepped forward to serve their multi-course dinner. A beautifully seared Australian Wagyu steak with a fragrant black pepper sauce was placed in front of Froggy, while Grox was served an elegant pan-seared sea bass with a lemon butter emulsion.
Grox looked down at Froggy’s plate and narrowed his eyes slightly, a flicker of playful malice gleaming in his gaze as he picked up his cutlery.
"Thought you said your face hurt too much to chew properly?" Grox said coolly, looking at the open scrape on the hockey captain's cheekbone. "A steak that thick... are you sure you won't end up in tears trying to chew it?"
"I'll be fine, Your Highness,"
Froggy picked up his knife and fork, preparing to slice the meat. "For a dinner with you, I could chew through hockey armor without complaining—"
"Don't flatter yourself..."
Grox let out a long sigh, cutting him off with a tone of exasperation that carried a deeply tender affection. Reaching across the table, the slender skater casually pulled Froggy’s steak plate toward his own side. Using his knife and fork, he began slicing the thick Wagyu beef into perfect, bite-sized pieces with practiced, effortless elegance every movement as fluid as a work of art.
Froggy watched him in stunned silence, his heart swelling with an indescribable, profound warmth.
"There..."
Grox slid the neatly sliced steak back in front of Froggy, lifting his chin slightly to mask the pink dusting his cheeks. "Eat up, you clumsy dog... so you don't make weird faces while chewing and ruin my appetite."
Froggy offered him a charming smile, his eyes overflowing with love. Spearing a bite-sized piece of beef on his fork, he leaned forward, holding it out toward Grox’s soft lips.
"First bite goes to our world-class champion."
Grox blinked, looking between the piece of steak and Froggy's handsome face with its little plaster. His eyes flickered before he opened his mouth, taking the bite from the fork and chewing thoughtfully before swallowing.
"Tastes decent enough..." Grox smirked faintly.
"Does that mean... whenever I ask you out next time, you'll say yes?" Froggy asked with a playful grin.
"Depends on how well-behaved you are," Grox sipped his wine, tilting his head with a seductive, arrogantly captivating gaze. "Though tonight... until I drop you off at your place, if you continue to be a good boy, I might spare an hour or two of my valuable time next weekend to take a swollen-faced dog like you for a walk in the park."
Froggy burst into a delighted laugh, pure happiness filling his chest. Reaching across the table once more, he took Grox's slender hand in his own. This time, Grox turned his palm up, intertwining their fingers tightly together.
"Even if it's every single weekend... I'll always be your good boy, Your Highness."
A gentle night breeze swept across the rooftop balcony under the star-lit sky. And so, the very first date between the fierce ice hockey captain and the proud prince of figure skating came to a perfect, beautiful end.
After that sweet night on the rooftop came to an end, the national competition season officially drew its curtains close.
All good things must come to an end; both teams gradually packed their bags and returned to their respective cities. The period that followed was the off-season a time free from grueling training schedules and high-pressure matches. Both Grox and Froggy enjoyed a long, restful break to recover their physical strength. But the one thing that had transformed entirely after the competition was the contact list on both of their phones, which was no longer empty.
Although they lived in different cities, the distance was hardly an obstacle, taking just a few hours' drive to visit each other easily.
During his off-season days, even as a hockey captain who was obsessed with staying active, Froggy still found time to gather his teammates for light practice sessions, track runs, and weight training to maintain his peak condition. Whenever he took a break from training, he would pull out his phone to send teasing text messages or show off photos of the scabs healing on his cheek to the King of Ice Skating, topping them off with sweet, affectionate words several times a day.
On the other hand, Grox spent his off-season resting his body to the fullest. The slender figure had a set schedule of physical therapy, muscle stretches, and joint relaxation with a professional therapist to care for his body after a heavy season. On days without therapy sessions, Grox would sip hot tea, read books, or sketch artwork in his quiet room.
Yet, a new routine had quietly formed for the King of Figure Skating: sitting around, waiting for the notification chime on his mobile phone.
PING!
[ Froggy_14 : Just ran 10 kilometers today! My cut is completely healed. I really miss my gorgeous driver. ]
Lying on his luxurious sofa while reading a book, Grox glanced at the screen and let a small smirk escape his lips. His beautiful eyes flickered with fondness mixed with fond exasperation before he typed a reply back with his signature aloofness.
[ Grox_k : Nonsense... Who asked you, Froggy? ]
[ Froggy_14 : So stubborn! Are you free this Saturday? I'm driving over to see you. I happen to be craving that fancy salad from your favorite place. ]
[ Grox_k : If you're more than ten minutes late, I'm locking my door and refusing to see you. ]
And it was almost always like this...
The weekends became their dedicated time together. Whether it was Froggy volunteering to drive his luxury SUV all the way to Grox's city to take him for a stroll in the park as promised and dine at fine restaurants, or Grox condescending to drive across towns to sit by the ice rink and watch Froggy practice hockey holding a famous-brand coffee cup with his arms crossed, casting arrogant glances from behind his designer sunglasses. Their relationship unfolded in a uniquely harmonious way: half-rivals who jabbed at each other every three minutes, and half-partners who cared for each other with subtle tenderness.
Whenever they were together, Froggy still loved seizing every opportunity to move in close, wrapping an arm around Grox's slender waist or holding his delicate hand tightly as they walked through crowds. And while Grox would scold him with a sharp tongue, calling him an "opportunist" or "disgusting," he never pulled his hand away. In fact, he would sometimes be the one to tenderly wipe the sweat from the hockey captain's temples or cut his food into bite-sized pieces during their meals.
…
Yet, a quiet loneliness slowly crept in alongside the falling autumn leaves...
From texting every single day and driving to see each other almost every weekend, Froggy's replies gradually began to slow down noticeably. The long, teasing texts were reduced to brief sentences like, "I'm tied up with something today" or "Training ran a bit heavy, let's raincheck." He even canceled their weekend plans two weeks in a row.
Grox sat staring at his quiet phone screen in his luxurious apartment, his beautiful eyes dimming with confusion and melancholy. The slender figure tried to convince himself that it was completely normal people have their own private lives once the off-season settles in. Yet, a cloud of anxiety and overthinking relentlessly built up in his chest.
'Could it be that he's... getting tired of me?'
That single thought pierced Grox's heart, keeping him awake for several nights. And the situation only worsened when insider gossip in the sports world began to circulate... The famous hockey captain, Froggy, had been spotted frequently entering high-end cafés and luxury boutiques in the city alongside a tall, gorgeous woman. Some gossip columns even published candid photos from behind, showing Froggy leaning down to chat intimately with her.
Grox gripped his phone so tightly his knuckles turned white, his lips pressing into a thin, tight line. His pride and dignity commanded him to hold his head high and pretend not to care refusing to text or confront Froggy for the truth out of fear of looking like the one who 'cared' too much. But inside, his heart burned with an unfamiliar pain. Besides, they weren't even an actual couple anyway. Why should he care this much? It's none of his business who that idiot dates, Grox tried to lie to himself in frustration.
Until the first touch of winter arrived, with heavy snow fluttering down from the sky and a biting cold wind sweeping through the city.
PING!
The notification chime Grox had been waiting for over the past several weeks finally rang out.
[ Froggy_14 : Are you free tonight? I'm waiting downstairs below your condo. Come down to meet me, please. ]
Grox stared at the message for a long moment. Taking a deep breath, he typed a reply before grabbing his long coat and scarf. Forcing his expression into a calm, indifferent mask, he stepped out and headed downstairs. Froggy's sleek black SUV sat idling in the middle of the falling snow. Froggy stepped out of the car to meet him, his handsome face looking slightly exhausted, though a warm smile still touched the corners of his lips.
"Hey, Grox... Get in quick, the snow is falling hard."
Grox didn't say a single word. He quietly stepped into the passenger seat as an uncomfortable silence settled inside the car. Grox turned his face to look out the window, staring at the snowflakes fluttering against the glass, his gaze so icy and quiet that Froggy could instantly feel that something was wrong.
"Is something the matter? You're so quiet tonight," Froggy asked softly, turning the steering wheel as he pulled out.
"Nothing..." Grox replied in a flat, cold voice, devoid of his usual playful banter. "Just drive."
Silence blanketed the entire journey. Grox sat with his arms crossed, gazing listlessly at the city lights through the falling snow, his mind filled with rumors and unasked questions that he refused to voice. That was until the car turned and pulled into a grand plaza in the heart of the metropolis... Rockefeller Center.
The world-famous ice skating rink was now closed for the night given the late hour. The main floodlights around the rink were dimmed, leaving only the silver moonlight and the soft glow from the giant Christmas tree in the background. The smooth ice surface lay completely deserted, looking as though it were spellbound amidst the falling snow. Grox knit his brows, raising an eyebrow as he looked out the window in confusion.
"Why did you bring me here? Can't you see the rink is closed?"
Froggy didn't answer, merely flashing a playful smirk. He walked around to open the passenger door for Grox while lifting a large luxury brand box from the back seat.
"Come on down... I've already cleared everything with the staff. Tonight, this rink belongs to us."
Grox stepped down from the car in surprise. Froggy opened the box, revealing a brand-new pair of custom ice skates made of snow-white genuine leather with silver hardware, meticulously embroidered with vibrant red swirls.
"What is... this?" Grox's eyes widened slightly.
"A new pair of skates! I custom-ordered them months in advance," Froggy smiled charmingly, crouching down on a bench beside the rink. He gently removed Grox's boots and slipped the new skates onto his feet one by one with absolute care. "I even had to secretly measure your foot size while you were asleep in the car... Over the past three or four weeks when I went missing, didn't come to see you, and barely replied to your texts... it was because I had to fly back and forth between cities to supervise the craftsman making these skates, and hustle to get permission to close down Rockefeller Center tonight just for us. Good grief, these people were insanely tough to negotiate with!"
Grox froze on the spot, his beautiful eyes quivering in sheer shock.
"Then... what about that woman in the rumors?"
The words that had been suffocating his chest finally burst out, causing Grox to instantly clap a hand over his own mouth in shock at his slip of the tongue.
Froggy, who was in the middle of putting on his own ice skates, paused and looked up at Grox before bursting into a hearty, delighted laugh.
"Pfft—! Those gossip rumors?"
Froggy chuckled softly. "That was the designer and owner of the custom skate brand you're wearing right now! I sat in her jewelry shop and designer boutique every week just to handpick the silver buckles that matched your skating patterns..." Froggy smiled, winking up at him. "So... my Little king was actually feeling pouty over this, huh?"
Grox's face instantly burned red, a flush spreading all the way to his ears that he couldn't possibly hide. Snapping his head away, he lifted his chin high to desperately mask his intense embarrassment.
"Who's pouty?! Nonsense!"
Grox forced out a sharp threat, though his voice trembled uncontrollably. "And who asked you to go through all this trouble anyway?!"
"I just wanted our 'regular date' to be as special as possible," Froggy replied warmly.
Froggy finished checking the laces on Grox’s skates, taking his slender hand to lead him out onto the vast expanse of ice under the moonlight.
The Rockefeller Center ice rink lay completely tranquil as the cold winter wind swept fine snowflakes across their hair. Reaching into his pocket, Froggy pulled out his phone and pressed play on Stephen Sanchez’s Until I Found You a sweet, soulful classic rock-and-roll track. It was a song Grox had once played softly in the car months ago, casually remarking that it was
"decent enough to listen to."
Placing his phone down on the rink's perimeter barrier, the intoxicating melody and deep, crooning vocals resonated softly across the quiet ice.
I would never fall in love... Until I found her...
I said, "I would never fall unless it's with you, baby..."
Froggy turned back to face the world champion before him. Extending his right hand, he offered an affectionate smile, his deep, intense gaze locking onto Grox’s beautiful eyes, which were now glistening with warmth and tender emotion.
"May I have this dance, Your Highness?" Froggy asked in a low, velvet voice.
Grox looked at the broad hand offered to him, a faint, amused smirk tugging at his lips. Yet, he gently placed his slender hand into Froggy's palm, while resting his other hand lightly on the hockey captain’s broad shoulder.
"Hmph... A master-level figure skater like me, dancing with a hockey dog? The nerve..."
Despite his sharp mouth, Grox let Froggy clasp his hand and wrap an arm loosely around his thin waist, guiding his slender frame into a slow, fluid glide across the ice.
Together, they carved graceful arcs to the rhythm of Until I Found You in the middle of the empty rink beneath the silver moonlight and falling snow. Froggy spun Grox gently before pulling him back flush against his chest. Grox leaned his back against Froggy’s chest, adapting a delicate Layback Spin into a warm, intimate embrace.
"You're breathtaking... Grox," Froggy whispered close to his ear.
Grox rested his head against Froggy’s broad shoulder, listening to the rapid beat of the hockey captain’s heart matching his own. Closing his eyes, he let the overwhelming sweetness wash over his entire soul.
"You really are... a clumsy dog who always overcomplicates everything," Grox murmured softly, his warm breath forming tiny white clouds in the freezing air. "Though I'll give you points for effort... and the skates are quite comfortable."
"So you're not upset with me anymore?"
Froggy grinned charmingly, lacing his fingers tightly through Grox’s slender ones as they glided across the ice.
"Who said I was bothered by any of that? Nonsense..."
Grox declared smoothly, opening his eyes to look straight into Froggy’s face, separated by only a breath. His striking face reflected the soft moonlight, his eyes shining with an affection he no longer bothered to hide.
The soft, romantic music continued to wrap the quiet rink in a bubble of warmth. Gentle snowflakes dusted their cheeks and hair as their blades traced smooth, rhythmic glides across the pristine surface.
I would never fall in love... Until I found her...
I said, "I would never fall unless it's with you, baby..."
As the chorus floated softly on the cold breeze, Froggy held Grox’s hand and slender waist tightly. The tall hockey captain, who usually led his team in aggressive, high-speed charges across the ice, was now trying his absolute hardest to navigate the delicate footwork of a figure skater. But because figure skating techniques were entirely different from slamming through opponents in full armor.
TRIP!
The toe pick of Froggy's skate caught heavily on a ridge in the ice. He stumbled forward with a sharp jolt, nearly tumbling onto the hard surface if not for Grox's slender yet surprisingly strong arms catching his chest, stabilizing his weight just in time.
"Pfft—!"
A clear, bright laugh bubbled up from Grox’s throat. The King of Figure Skating buried his face against Froggy’s broad chest, his shoulders trembling with uncontrollable laughter. It was a radiant, genuine laugh devoid of any of the icy pride he usually wore as armor. Froggy, who had been flustered by his stumble, found himself utterly mesmerized by the sight.
"Is it really that funny...?"
Froggy muttered, clearing his throat to hide his blush while tightening his grip on Grox's waist. "I spent so many nights practicing in secret for this, you know."
Grox slowly lifted his face, meeting Froggy's eyes. His striking gaze sparkled with boundless affection. "Don't tell me... aside from ordering the skates and booking the rink, you were secretly practicing figure skating too? Oh, Froggy..."
Froggy nodded slowly, a deep flush spreading across his handsome face. "Well... yeah. Guilty as charged. I wanted our dance to be absolutely perfect. I didn't want a world champion to look foolish having such a terrible partner... though it seems I still can't match your level at all."
"Of course you can't,"
Grox smirked, lifting his chin slightly with his signature touch of arrogant poise. Yet, his eyes held a sweet, profound warmth he had never shown anyone else. "My level is at the absolute peak of this sport... But you... a clumsy dog who only knows how to smack a puck with a stick, actually put this much effort into learning something you're terrible at just for me."
Grox paused, resting his slender hand over the back of Froggy’s hand on his waist. His cool fingers intertwined tightly with Froggy's.
"...I'll admit, I'm impressed."
The short praise hit Froggy right in the heart, bringing a radiant grin to his face. Grox shifted slightly, applying gentle pressure to guide Froggy's hands, steering the hockey captain into the correct posture.
"Keep your weight on your heels... don't tense your wrists," Grox whispered softly by his ear, guiding the tall athlete into a smooth, effortless glide. "Let me lead. You just be my solid foundation..."
Their dance regained its seamless harmony. The soft scrape of blades on ice set a gentle rhythm as Froggy served as a steady anchor, lifting and spinning Grox beneath the falling snow. The world champion’s slender frame flowed effortlessly with Froggy's support, moving together in complete sync free of tension, filled only with total trust and unbroken eye contact.
The song reached its final verse as the guitar and bass faded into a soft, tender melody.
Georgia, wrap me up in all your
I want you in my arms
Oh, let me hold you...
Froggy pulled Grox close until their chests were flush against each other, bringing their final posture to a gentle halt in the very center of the rink. The lights from the massive Christmas tree and the silver moonlight shone down on Grox’s face, making him look as regal and ethereal as a prince from a fairy tale.
As the music faded into silence, only the quiet sound of their puffing breaths remained, forming white mist in the freezing air alongside the rapid beating of their hearts.
Froggy looked deep into Grox’s eyes. Tightening his arm around his waist, he raised his other hand to lightly cup Grox’s soft cheek, his thumb gently wiping away a stray snowflake. His handsome face was devoid of its usual teasing smirk, replaced by pure, unadulterated sincerity.
"Grox..." Froggy called his name, his voice low and trembling with emotion.
"Hmm? What is it..."
Grox leaned his cheek lightly into the warmth of Froggy's palm, his eyes waiting.
"I know... we didn't start off on the best terms. We were rivals who picked fights and jabbed at each other every time we crossed paths," Froggy leaned in closer until their noses almost touched, their warm breath mingling in the cold air. "But every moment I've spent with you driving you around, sharing meals, seeing you smile, just talking with you... it made me realize that no one else in this world could ever make my heart beat like this."
Grox froze, his heart hammering wildly inside his chest. For once, his proud nature didn't interrupt; he simply listened to every word with bated breath.
"I don't want to just be your rival, or just 'friends' who casually grab dinner anymore..."
Froggy whispered against Grox’s blushing ear, his voice richer and more sincere than it had ever been.
"Be my boyfriend... Grox."
Silence blanketed the ice rink for a long moment, filled only by the passing winter wind. Grox looked deep into Froggy's eyes, seeing his own reflection and the immense love gleaming within them. Every piece of armor and pride he had built up completely melted away.
A soft, breathtaking smile curled the lips of the Ice King. Grox reached up, wrapping both arms around Froggy’s neck. Rising slightly on his tiptoes, he whispered against Froggy’s lips.
"Making me wait for months, you idiot..."
Grox smirked, his eyes overflowing with sweet affection.
"...If I said no, all that secret dance practice of yours would go to waste. So... yes, Froggy."
The moment the answer left Grox’s lips, Froggy didn't hesitate for a single second. Leaning down, the tall athlete captured Grox’s striking lips in a soft, intoxicating kiss beneath the falling snow, which drifted around them like a quiet blessing. Grox parted his lips, willingly welcoming the warm touch, transforming the freezing night into the warmest and happiest moment of both their lives.
As the sweet kiss beneath the snow slowly wound down, the excitement hammering in Froggy’s chest surged beyond control. Pulling back just an inch, his deep, expressive eyes gazed fondly at Grox’s gorgeous, rosy-flushed face. A massive, utterly smitten grin broke across his handsome features, impossible to hide.
"You said yes! You actually said yes!"
A low, rumbling laugh of pure elation bubbled up from Froggy's chest. Cupping Grox’s striking face in both of his broad hands, he planted a loud, exaggerated kiss right on his soft cheek.
SMOOCH!
"H-Hey! Froggy!" Grox jolted in surprise, his face instantly burning hot.
SMOOCH! SMOOCH!
"Thank you... Thank you, my Little king!"
Ignoring Grox’s protest, Froggy showered both of his cheeks with a barrage of affectionate kisses that echoed loudly across the serene ice rink. Then, wrapping his arms tightly around Grox’s slender waist, he lifted the figure skater completely off the ice and spun him around in a joyful frenzy.
"Hey—! Froggy! Put me down! I said put me down!"
Grox’s eyes widened in sheer panic, his hands quickly clutching Froggy’s broad shoulders for dear life. His cool composure vanished in an instant, replaced by utter fluster. "We're going to fall—!"
Before he could even finish the sentence, the blade of the overly ecstatic hockey captain caught on a rough patch of ice. The sheer momentum of the spin threw off his balance entirely.
CRASH!
Both the hockey captain and the King of Figure Skating went tumbling onto the hard ice together. Acting on pure instinct, Froggy twisted his body to absorb the brunt of the impact against the frozen surface, tightly enveloping Grox in his arms to shield him from even the slightest bruise.
"Ugh..."
A soft grunt escaped Froggy’s throat as his back slammed against the cold, unyielding ice, though his arms kept Grox completely safe and sound.
Grox, who landed squarely on top of Froggy's chest, froze in shock. His beautiful face ended up completely buried against the warm nook of Froggy’s neck and shoulder. Burning red all the way to the roots of his hair, Grox refused to lift his head to meet the eyes of the man beneath him, trembling in a mix of intense embarrassment and shy panic.
"Are you hurt anywhere, Your Highness?"
Froggy asked softly, looking down at the messy head of hair buried against his shoulder. His broad hands gently patted Grox’s back in comfort.
"...You absolute idiot," a muffled voice grumbled against Froggy’s neck. Grox balled his hand into a fist and gave Froggy’s chest a light, embarrassed punch. "I told you we were going to fall! You overbearing, brainless brute..."
"Can you blame me? I'm over the moon," Froggy let out a rich, happy laugh, tightening his embrace as he stroked Grox’s soft hair under the falling snow. "Serving me right for taking such an ungraceful spill, though... but getting to hold you like this makes it completely worth it."
"Stop talking nonsense and get up already the snow is freezing us both to death," Grox exhaled a puff of warm air against Froggy’s neck. Despite his complaints, he made no move to pull away, feeling far too warm and cozy to stir.
Froggy’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous spark. Tilting his head down to look at the man in his arms, he whispered leaning into Grox’s bright red ear, a sly, flirtatious edge to his voice:
"He's right... It's so late, the snow is falling hard, and the rink is closed I guess tonight we'll just have to check into a hotel room nearby, won't we... my dear boyfriend?"
Froggy paused, giving him a meaningful, downright suggestive look and a playful smirk.
Grox froze. Snapping his head up from Froggy’s shoulder, his beautiful eyes widened in utter disbelief. He stared at Froggy’s handsome face before a fierce heat rushed to his cheeks, painting his entire face in a crimson blush as he caught the clear intention behind that ridiculous gaze.
THWACK!
"Froggy, you bastard!" Grox landed a heavy, solid punch right on Froggy’s broad shoulder. Pushing himself up to sit on the ice, he forced a glare to cover up his skyrocketing embarrassment. "Don't you dare get cheeky with me, you dog! I just said yes a minute ago—don't go dreaming it's going to be that easy!"
"Ouch!" Froggy dramatically groaned, holding his shoulder while bursting into a hearty laugh. "Come on... I literally meant just getting a warm place to rest! Where on earth is your mind wandering off to, my love?"
"Save the slick talk!"
Grox glared at him, his striking eyes betraying his flustered shyness. "We are going straight back to my condo right now! And you're sleeping on the couch!"
Froggy slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position, grinning broadly as he watched the blushing world champion attempt to stand up. He reached out to gently support Grox’s waist and hold his hand, making sure he wouldn't slip on the ice again.
"Does that mean..." Froggy leaned in close, teasingly whispering near his ear, "...that I'll just have to 'work' much harder from now on so my Little Prince will give in a little easier?"
"Froggy—!"
Grox’s jaw dropped as he shrieked the name, his face burning so hot it felt like it might explode. He quickly shoved his hand against Froggy’s face to push him away.
"Shut your mouth right now! You shameless brute! I am deducting your boyfriend points down to zero!"
"Hahaha! Aw, come on, don't dock my points!"
Froggy laughed louder than he had in months. Holding tight to Grox’s slender hand which attempted to shake him off without using any real strength the two of them slowly glided and walked off the Rockefeller Center ice rink. Accompanied by the flustered scolding of the figure skating prince and the warm, golden-retriever laughter of the hockey captain, their voices echoed together into the night stepping into a beautiful, happiness-filled new chapter of their love story.
The End