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Magnus was waiting for his blitz quarterfinals to start, reminiscing about the journey that had brought him here. Just a day ago, he had faced Hans in an earlier round. The irony wasn’t lost on him—playing Hans again felt almost laughable. Their last encounter had been in Paris during the Speed Championship, and now, here they were, squaring off once more.
Not that it mattered much to Magnus; he had triumphed both times. This time, though, the victory didn’t come easy. He started with a draw and even suffered a loss, but resilience was his hallmark. He clawed his way back and secured the win. Twice now, Magnus had bested Hans, and while he took satisfaction in the victories, his mood was tempered by the absence of Hikaru.
Hikaru hadn’t made it to the quarterfinals, a disappointment Magnus had reluctantly accepted. Just two days earlier, Magnus had been embroiled in controversy at the Rapid Championship, fined and forced to sit out a round for wearing jeans—an absurd rule imposed by FIDE. Frustrated, Magnus had withdrawing entirely from the Rapid & Blitz Championship, opting instead for a vacation.
But Hikaru, ever pragmatic, had advised him otherwise.
— FIDE will struggle without you. You are the main player, why sponsors came to the Championship in the first place. – Hikaru had pointed out, reminding Magnus of his pivotal role in drawing sponsors and attention to the tournament. Eventually, FIDE reached out to Magnus, attempting to bring him back for the blitz portion of the championship since rapid was already over. Initially resistant, Magnus wanted to reject it since he already said he would go on vacation instead, but reconsidered after Hikaru urged him to talk to Vishy to hear what he has to say about all of this and Magnus joining back, he finally agreed. To Magnus’s surprise and as it turned out FIDE had updated their dress code, allowing to wear jeans now. After some deliberation, he agreed to return for the blitz portion.
Now, Magnus had made it to the quarterfinals, while Hikaru hadn’t. Though mildly disappointed, Magnus shrugged it off, comforted by their plans to go out after Magnus was done with the blitz championship.
Magnus’s quarterfinal opponent, Hans, fell to his calculated strategies. In the semifinals, Magnus defeated Duda, securing a spot in the finals against Ian Nepomniachtchi. He knew Hikaru would commentate the quarterfinals but wasn't sure if he would be commentating the semifinals and finals. As Magnus later found out on a break after quarterfinals, Hikaru went to explore New York City. He wasn't mad since he was stuck in the tournament, but it didn't stop him from texting him.
Hika
You went out without me?
Traitor.
It's not my fault you got stuck in the tournament.
It's your fault for not making the top 8 to join me in the quarterfinals.
It's your fault for not losing
Oh wait—how could I forget?
You're Magnus Carlsen. Losing is strictly prohibited for you.
My apologies
Alright, alright, I got it
How is it outside?
Well, I like the snow outside.
It's snowy, pretty good, just you are missing.
I'm going to shoot a snowball at you when you are done with the tournament.
I'm from Norway, you ain't winning even a snowball fight against me.
We will see about that.
Anyway, the semifinals are about to start.
Good luck, I will see ya later.
Yeah, see you
Magnus smiled at the exchange and returned to the tournament. After his semifinal victory, he texted again: “How is it outside?” Hikaru replied with a photo of the snowy streets and the caption, “There’s still snow.” Magnus laughed, appreciating the momentary and decided to take a break before the finals. He saw that Ian and Wesley were now equal, which means they will play Armageddon to decide who will go into the finals. He bet Ian would be the one to win, and he predicted correctly, so now he will be playing against Ian in the finals.
———
The finals were intense. After several grueling games, Magnus and Ian tied, leading to a Magnus suggesting to share first place and a mutual decision to go with it. It was a rare and controversial move, one that Magnus knew would spark heated debate online, especially on platforms like X. But for Magnus, the decision was about more than optics—it was about moving forward.
After the press conference, Magnus ran into Ian near the exit.
— Good games today. Congratulations, – Ian said, slipping on his jacket.
— Thanks, and congratulations to you too. Sharing first place means we both played well,– Magnus replied. – You got me good in the third and fourth games.
Ian nodded. – Thanks. Honestly, I think the internet is going to explode over this shared victory, but it’s fine. I’m heading back to the hotel—looks like I’ll be spending New Year’s in New York. – He smiled – What are you going to do?
— I’m thinking of taking a walk outside first, hang out for a while. – Magnus answered.
— Huh, it's not a bad idea. Well I see you later, next year I mean. Enjoy – Ian said, smirking. Magnus laughed – Yeah, see you.
As Magnus strolled back to his hotel, admiring the snow, snow crunching underfoot, he mulled over his decision to share the first place with Ian. He knows it will be an internet disaster, especially X, but he didn't put too much thought into them. The only thing he was caring about right now was Hikaru. Magnus knows he will be disappointed because they technically broke the rules. Sharing the title had bent traditional expectations and showcased the influence Magnus held over FIDE, proved to have FIDE wrapped around his finger. He just hopes it won't be this bad when he encounters Hikaru.
When he reached his hotel, he stopped. Magnus looked up at the tall build and wasn't even sure why he cared so much. It is already done, isn't it? He heard that Hikaru was commentating on the finals, so he saw and heard what happened. He was disappointed, that's for sure.
Magnus lowered his head, thinking he would take 2 more minutes to collect his thoughts when a snowball hit his back. That stuttered Magnus, he stumbled slightly pulling his hands out of his pockets to balance himself as he heard loud laughing. He would recognize this laugh anywhere and anytime. Magnus spun around to see Hikaru standing not that far away, laughing. Magnus smiled, happy realizing that Hikaru probably was disappointed, but not so much that he would not speak to him or they would have a fight.
— Oh you little‐ – Magnus began, grinning. – I warned you not to do this, but you didn't listen. Now you will have to pay for this Nakamura. – Magnus was now reaching for the snow to form a snowball, grinning like a maniac.
— Oh no – Hikaru laughed harder, catching his breath a little before beginning to laugh again and and bolted as Magnus scooped up a snowball and gave chase.
— You won't run away from me! – Magnus quickly got up with a snowball in his hand before sprinting after the Japanese-American player who dared to throw a snowball at the Norwegian player. If he wants the snowball fight, Magnus will give him a snowball fight.
———
Magnus didn't know how much time they spent outside, but it was definitely close to an hour in the snow, laughing and pelting each other with snowballs. Both men were heavily breathing from running. Exhausted and covered in snow, not only from throwing snowballs but also from falling on snow after slipping. Hikaru was laughing again, but this time, Magnus finally caught Hikaru by the arms, holding him tight, so he won't run away again.
Magnus looked at him, catching his breath – So, – Magnus panted – you are not so angry or disappointed with me after the decision to share the first place? – He asked curiously, hoping he was right.
Hikaru looked at him after finally he stopped laughing and raised his hand to catch his own breath before answering:
— I am not angry, no, – Hikaru said, still catching his breath, – Disappointed? Yes. A bit, but not angry. Even if I don't agree with the decision and I'm not on your side on this one, what's done is already done. I mean, I think I understand that you did this out of the intention of getting out of there. But people will talk, hate and argue, of course, and I won't blame them. But at the same time, my love for you is outweighs the disappointment that is still there, but I'm also just going to pretend you did it for me to get back earlier. – He finally said, shrugging.
Magnus smiled, warmth spreading in his chest, knowing that Hikaru wasn't angry nor strongly disappointed with him. If he thought about it, he would probably feel the same if their places were switched.
— Thank you. – Magnus said, – But if I'm being honest, I did, in fact, do it for you.
— Aw, such a sweet talker, – Hikaru laughed.
Magnus smirked himself before pulling Hikaru closer and placing a soft kiss on his lips. Hikaru leaned in for a kiss. His lips were warm and soft, probably from drinking tea or coffee. Magnus's hands were on Hikaru's waist, and Hikaru's hands were now around his shoulders. They were standing like this for a few minutes before pulling away and just smiling like idiots and laughing again.
— We should go back to the hotel before we freeze in here. – Hikaru said.
— I'd be happy to be frozen with you in my arms, but I fear I would melt the ice with my warmth, – Magnus said back, – It'd probably freeze, no doubts.
Hikaru rolled his eyes – Well, excuse me for growing up in a warm state, mister Frost King.
— Hey! – Magnus said, giving Hikaru a gentle push.
They laughed again and started to make their way back to the hotel, holding hands.
Back at the hotel, the warmth of their shared space contrasted sharply with the frosty evening outside. Magnus and Hikaru shed their snow-soaked jackets and boots, laughing at the mess they had made of themselves during the snowball fight. Hikaru headed to the kitchenette, where the kettle was already whistling softly, signaling tea was ready.
Magnus scanned the table and noticed a spread of food neatly arranged—a mix of warm, hearty dishes and snacks. His stomach growled audibly, earning a chuckle from Hikaru.
— When did you get all of this? – Magnus asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
— When I went to explore New York? – Hikaru replied nonchalantly, pouring steaming tea into two cups.
Magnus walked over and wrapped his arms around Hikaru from behind, resting his chin on Hikaru’s shoulder. – You’re amazing, kjære. Jeg er så glad i deg. I’ve been running on coffee since the quarterfinals ended. This looks incredible.
Hikaru laughed, leaning back into Magnus’s embrace. – I can tell. You’re even breaking into Norwegian.
Magnus grinned. – You caught me.
They sat down to eat, the fatigue of the day melting away as they shared stories and debated moments from the tournament. The conversation wandered to lighter topics—places they wanted to visit, memories from past tournaments, and musings about what the new year might bring.
As midnight approached, the countdown began. They turned on the television to watch the iconic New Year’s celebration in Times Square, the vibrant colors of the fireworks reflecting off the hotel windows.
— Five… four… three… two… one… – The chimes of the new year sounded, accompanied by the jubilant cheers of the crowd on-screen and the burst of fireworks outside.
— Happy New Year, Mr. ‘The Rules Don’t Apply To Me,’– Hikaru said, a playful smirk lighting up his face.
— Happy New Year to you too, Mr. ‘I Will Never Let It Go,’– Magnus replied with equal mischief before leaning in to kiss him.
The kiss was slow and warm, a silent acknowledgment of the year they had shared and the challenges they had faced together. When they finally pulled apart, they both laughed softly, their foreheads resting against each other’s.
Magnus broke the quiet moment. – You know, I wasn’t sure how this night would end. But right now, I don’t think I could imagine a better way to start the new year.
— Neither could I, – Hikaru said. – Though I’ll admit, I didn’t plan on spending it soaking wet from snow and exhausted from running around like kids.
— Worth it, though, – Magnus said, his eyes sparkling.
Hikaru smiled. – Completely.
They spent the rest of the night curled up together on the couch, sipping tea and watching the celebrations unfold on TV. Occasionally, they’d make a comment or share a joke, but for the most part, they simply enjoyed each other’s company. Outside, the world celebrated, but within the quiet of their room, it felt like time had slowed, allowing them to savor the moment.
Before heading to bed, Magnus glanced out the window at the city below, its streets still shimmering with lights and snow. He turned to Hikaru, who was already under the covers, scrolling through his phone.
— Here’s to another year of victories, challenges, and maybe bending a few more rules, – Magnus said with a grin as he climbed into bed.
Hikaru smirked without looking up. – As long as you remember who’s always here to call you out on them.
— Deal, – Magnus said, pulling him close.
As they drifted off to sleep, tangled in each other’s warmth, the city outside hummed with the promise of a new year. For Magnus and Hikaru, the future felt as open and bright as the fireworks that had lit up the midnight sky.