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"Focus, Mr. Katsuki."
Yuuri flinches. "Sorry, Professor."
A few of the Fleurpoodles pick up on his anxiety, sensitive magical creatures that they are, and start to yip and run around their bubble-like enclosure. A blue one starts digging at the corner, optimistically trying to cross the dimensional rift between them with its paws alone.
Yuuri's the last one left to complete the binding spell, despite staying up all night to practice until it was flawless. The entire morning has been one failure after the other, starting with falling asleep over his breakfast, and then panic-colliding with the most popular boy in school in his rush to make it to class. He'd still arrived late.
His nerves aren't the strongest at the best of times, and now he feels too flustered to focus. The expression on Viktor Nikiforov's face when they collided keeps bubbling up; his frown, like Yuuri was a baffling human-shaped worm who dared to cross his path.
The rest of the class already have their Fleurpoodles on magical leads and have begun grooming them, filling up their baskets with multicolored, sweet-scented fur and flowers. The dog-like beasts are rare and precious, with valuable blooms used in many potions, and he'd been looking forward to the chance to interact with them for weeks.
"This shouldn't be a challenge for you," Professor Celestino says, with concern. "Are you feeling well?"
Great, Yuuri's doing so poorly his own professor thinks he's sick. His cheeks flame in a blush. "Yes, sir."
"Just take a deep breath and try again."
Yuuri closes his eyes and breathes deep, picturing the weave of magic that he needs. It's not a complicated array, with only three levels of runes and a comparatively small amount of power, but attaching it to the flighty, willful Fleurpoodle is tricky. Binding any kind of living thing, even this gently and temporarily, is an advanced spell.
With the spell's shape again fixed in his mind, he visualizes his chosen Fleurpoodle: light pink fur and flowers, big, dewy black eyes, and a relaxed posture as he lays in the grass, unbothered by the frenetic energy of his peers.
Yuuri raises his hand, ready to unleash the magic, and quietly begins the incantation.
"Hello! Is Katsuki Yuuri here, by any chance?"
The magic he's so carefully shaped twists as his attention shatters. Yuuri knows that voice, and is not used to how it sounds saying his name. It's Viktor Nikiforov, the boy he collided with earlier in the morning, standing at the courtyard's entrance with a gorgeous smile.
"Watch out!" Yuuri says, too late. His twisted magic has already reached its new target, impacting the upperclassman in a shower of sparkling stars at his chest. Mortified, Yuuri covers his face with his hands. "Sorry!"
"Mr. Nikiforov, you should know better than to enter an active spellwork class," Professor Celestino scolds.
"I should have known better," Viktor agrees, brushing some of the residual sparkles off his jacket. His pretty silver hair and statuesque physique makes the school uniform look like designer goods. "Sorry, Professor. Sorry, Yuuri."
"Are you alright?" Yuuri asks, trying to see if he's done any damage—it's unlikely, with the type of spell they're practicing, but magic can be unpredictable. How in the world does Viktor even know his name?
"I feel fine," Viktor says. He smooths his bangs to the side.
"Let me check," Professor Celestino insists, putting a hand on Viktor's shoulder and using magic to look for damage or trouble. "Everything looks to be in order... hmm."
"Something wrong, Professor?"
Professor Celestino chuckles, and then points at Viktor's hand. "Mr. Katsuki, it seems your binding spell went off without a hitch, despite the interruption. Unfortunately, it didn't attach to a Fleurpoodle. I'm honestly quite impressed."
"You did a successful binding spell on me?" Viktor seems much more interested than alarmed, looking closely at his hand. Yuuri can just make out the faint glow of magic; what was intended to be the Fleurpoodle's collar is now a ring around his pinky finger. Oh no.
"I heard you were the star pupil of your year," Viktor continues, which Yuuri will process at a later date, "but even I would struggle to bind a human, much less a mage. Wow!"
"I'm so sorry!" Yuuri bows, mortified. The day keeps getting worse and worse. The rest of the class is blatantly watching them instead of the magical creatures in their laps.
"Mr. Nikiforov, is there a reason you interrupted my class? A very good reason would be preferable."
"Again, apologies, Professor. Yuuri and I bumped into each other earlier this morning, and his supply bag must have gotten mixed up with mine. When I realized what had happened, I wanted to return it quickly in case he needed it for this class." Viktor digs in his shoulder bag and then holds out a leather pouch that Yuuri recognizes as his own.
Their professor pinches the bridge of his nose. "All right. Just try to be more careful in the future."
"Yes, sir."
Great. Now, when Viktor thinks of Yuuri, he'll think of the clumsy underclassman who got him in trouble. Yuuri digs in his own bag and exchanges pouches with Viktor.
"Now, Mr. Katsuki, if you'll kindly dispel Mr. Nikiforov. Now that you've demonstrated mastery at capturing a human, a Fleurpoodle should be a simple task."
"Yes, Professor," Yuuri says. He holds his right hand a few inches over Viktor's and quietly speaks the incantation. The pink Fleurpoodle he'd been aiming for is now napping in the grass.
The ring of light does not disappear from Viktor's finger, despite his best efforts; it must be nerves. "Sorry!"
"Don't be sorry, Yuuri, it was my fault," Viktor says, proving all the rumors true: he's very kind. Yuuri feels worse.
He tries again, putting more power into it, but the ring is stubborn. Now that he's looking closely, he can see that it has tiny flowers around it, made out of the same light.
"Allow me," Professor Celestino says, finally stepping in. He's able to cast dispel silently, due to his years of experience, and breaking apart a student's magic should present no more of a challenge to him than snapping his fingers.
The ring stubbornly stays put.
"Hmmm," he says, after a pregnant pause. "Mr. Nikiforov, try walking to the other side of the courtyard."
"All right, Professor." Viktor takes a few steps, but stops as if he's hit an invisible wall about six feet from Yuuri. "Ah."
"What?" Yuuri looks between them, slow horror at what has impossibly, improbably happened dawning in his eyes. "Oh no."
"This is fascinating," Professor Celestino says. "Congratulations, Mr. Katsuki. This is one of the most impressive pieces of spellwork I've ever seen. Shame it was completely by accident. A completely successful binding spell with the wrong target—a human target!—you've clearly understood the fundamentals."
If anything, Viktor is looking at the magical ring on his finger with more fascination than before. It's a credit to his status as the most talented mage of their generation that he's able to give it that kind of academic interest, when he should be worried about being stuck around Yuuri for an indeterminate amount of time.
Yuuri's horrified. "You can't dispel it?"
"With enough time, I'm sure I could. But there's no need, spells like this clear up on their own. Until then, you both can reflect on how to better pay attention to your surroundings and keep track of your things." Professor Celestino claps his hands, drawing the attention of the entire class. "We only have half an hour left before the bell, so make sure you have all the flowers you need by that time."
There's a chorus of "Yes, sir"'s. The Fleurpoodles only bloom during certain astral conditions, but when they do, they are prolific. Most student's baskets are already overflowing, meant to be used in a potion in class tomorrow.
"Mr. Katsuki, I will provide you with some of my own stock for our next class. In the meantime, both of you should go and explain what has happened to the head office."
"Yes, Professor."
Show now over, the class returns their full attention to their magical creatures. On top of it all, he'd really been looking forward to finally getting a chance to touch one; he has a soft spot for anything dog-like.
"Have I made you miss class, too?" Yuuri guiltily looks at Viktor.
"You didn't make me do anything." He still doesn't seem mad. "I don't have class today, just free periods to work on my graduation project and a meeting with my advisor, who probably won't mind if you tag along."
Yuuri blanches. "With Professor Yakov?"
"Yes, that's him. Don't worry, he's all bark and no bite. Well, only a little bite."
He realizes belatedly that knowing who Viktor's graduate advisor is has probably given his hero-worship away. "Oh."
"Shall we?" Viktor gestures towards the path to the main building.
Unlike Viktor, Yuuri does have more classes today, two of them in fact: runework and one of his physical electives, dance. Fortunately, they line up in a way that still allows Viktor his advisor meeting.
"So you're coming to runes with us?" Phichit asks. He normally sits next to Yuuri during lunch, but due to the current... situation he's chosen a spot across from them both.
"Yes!" Viktor says. "It should be no trouble, I can get my own work done during the lecture."
The lunchroom is crowded as always, forcing them both to sit practically thigh-to-thigh on the bench. Yuuri picks at his food, too nervous to eat. "Maybe it will wear off before class begins."
"Maybe." The spell on his finger still glows as brightly as before. "It's been so long since I sat with the underclassmen, this is fun. Is it always so crowded?"
Right, upperclassmen like Viktor have their own space. Viktor is getting a lot of attention, as students crane their necks to see what the top student in the school is doing eating lunch with them. "We have a lot of people in our year. Sorry."
"It's fine. Like I said, I'm having fun." Viktor takes a bite of his salad with more appreciation than Yuuri has ever seen someone give the school's lettuce blend. The whole meal he's chosen is balanced and healthy, and because they had to stay close together Yuuri selected the same sort of things, even though his heart was craving something richer to help with the stress.
"It's a good topic today," Phichit says, unruffled by the presence of Yuuri's idol. "We're practicing self-heating charms."
"Ooh, those are great in the winter. Yuuri, have you made them before?" Viktor's cheer doesn't dim.
"I have. My family runs a hot spring resort, and my parents always have a few of them set up to keep the towels warm. I wasn't able to make them as a kid at home, of course, but I've been familiar with how they work for a long time." It's one of the first sets of runes his mother had sat down and talked him through, after his magic had presented and he'd been frightened about a future at a magical academy far from home.
"A hot springs resort! That sounds fun. I've always wanted to go to one."
"I've been there, it is fun." Phichit came to visit Yutopia over spring break last year. "You should visit! The one Yuuri's family runs is the best."
"I'd like that. What do you think, Yuuri?" Viktor seems genuinely enthused about the prospect, for some reason.
Yuuri blinks. "It's just a small resort. There are much nicer ones you could go to."
Viktor's smile looks a touch strained. "Personal recommendations often lead to the best experiences, or so I'm told."
"Oh. Well, if you'd like to visit, you're welcome to come." Yuuri tries to imagine Viktor there in the hot springs, which summons up images of him nude, and all of a sudden his throat is quite dry. "Um, I'm going to get another glass of water."
He stands abruptly, flustered, and manages two steps before Viktor stumbles up as well, limbs awkwardly stiff to Yuuri's mortified gaze.
"I'll go as well," Viktor says graciously.
"I didn't mean to—does the spell hurt? I'm so sorry!" He wasn't thinking and now he's causing Viktor even more problems.
Viktor waves his hand. "It doesn't hurt. It just feels... strange. Like my body is moving on its own."
He says it doesn't hurt, but that didn't look comfortable. In the crowded lunchroom, it would be only too easy for them to get separated. Yuuri holds out his hand. "I'll try not to let that happen again. Maybe we should..."
It's Viktor's turn to blink at him, as Yuuri catches up with what he just offered, in front of a large part of the student body. He's about to apologize again, backtrack on the offer, when Viktor reaches out and accepts. His skin is soft and his fingers are long and elegant when they curl over Yuuri's palm.
Too embarrassed for words, Yuuri refills his glass and gets another one for Viktor; they return to the table just before the bell rings. Phichit, who is perfectly aware of how big Yuuri's crush on Viktor is, stays on his best behavior, thank goodness, but his expression says he's barely hanging on.
After a brief conversation with his professor, who is also impressed at the misfired binding spell for some reason, Viktor attends Yuuri's runes class with their desks pushed all the way together. Viktor gamely follows along, drawing his own heating array with neat little symbols and sharp lines on the provided stone; of course, with all his experience he's the first to finish, but Yuuri isn't far behind.
"Can I see?" Viktor asks, cupping his palms.
"Of course." Yuuri hands over his heated stone, trying to keep their skin from touching as he does so, embarrassed at how many liberties he's already taken.
"Nice and even," Viktor says, leaning in close to judge his runes. Despite himself, Yuuri soaks in the bit of praise. "A good temperature too. People often set it too hot."
"My mom told me that you should always make sure it's comfortable to hold for a long time, not just a few moments," he says, feeling shy. "But you already know that! Sorry."
Viktor's own perfect heating charm has already received glowing reviews from their professor, who is currently going around and using it as a teaching tool.
"It's good to think of a lasting array in the long term," Viktor says. "I think people often get caught up in the moment and then don't consider how it will work in the real world. Your mother sounds quite wise."
Yuuri smiles. "She is."
When class ends, Yuuri submits his stone for grading and the professor jokes with Viktor about how this doesn't count as extra credit for Yuuri.
"So, what did you say was next? Dance? That will be fun! I'm double majoring so my schedule never allowed for any of the physical education classes."
Yuuri has frozen in place with his shoulder bag halfway closed, just now really considering the implications of a dance class. Where he can't be more than a few feet from Viktor.
"Yuuri? Something wrong?" Viktor waves a hand in front of his face.
Maybe the professor will allow him to skip today, under the circumstances.
"What do you mean, skip? This is perfect!" Professor Minako doesn't understand the concept of mercy. "I promised we'd be learning pair dances before the spring festival, and I know you know several. Viktor, is it? Do you have any experience in dance?"
"Not formally, Professor." He smiles at Yuuri. "But I've danced with a partner before."
She looks him up and down. "Are you comfortable following?"
"Yes, of course."
"Great!"
"Minako-sensei," Yuuri tries one last time; she's a childhood friend of his mother, and he's known her since he was very small. She's the sole reason he chose to attend this school, in fact. "This is my fault, I don't want to trouble Viktor—"
"Stop worrying so much," she scolds him. "I'll teach the class, and you're more than capable of teaching Viktor here. It'll be good for him."
"R-right."
"Dancing with you isn't a problem at all," Viktor assures him.
Minako demonstrates the basic hold for lead and follow with one of the other students, stopping to explain the finer points of each step in sequence. Yuuri is normally her demonstration partner.
"Sensei?" Viktor asks quietly, when they break off to begin practicing.
"It's an honorific for teachers, Professor Minako is a friend of my mother's." Yuuri looks down at his own feet. "I actually was training to become a dancer, before my magic came in."
"Wow! That explains some things." Viktor is a quick learner, responding to Yuuri's lead with grace. "I'm glad you were able to still dance at school, then."
"Me too." Yuuri moves them into a closed position and tries not to panic any more than he already is, with Viktor's chest so close to his own, his pretty face right inches away.
"This is fun," Viktor says, and his eyes are practically sparkling with the joy of their movement. "Maybe I should take a dance elective!"
Overcome by the situation, Yuuri abruptly dips him, hand on Viktor's lower back to catch his weight. It's not in the steps they're supposed to be practicing, but the breathless way Viktor gasps as he does it is going to live rent free in his heart for all time.
"I don't remember the professor explaining that one," Viktor says, when he's upright again. "But I like it. It reminds me of the winter dance."
That wakes Yuuri up. Right—the winter dance. Viktor is the most beautiful and popular boy in school, he'd have no shortage of people to dance with; one of them must have dipped him. Yuuri himself had been so nervous about the dance. It's tradition at the winter ball that if someone asks you to be their partner for a song, they have to accept, no matter what, and he'd wanted—
Yuuri had made himself a calming potion before the event, and then drunk the whole thing in one nervous gulp, only realizing how strong he'd brewed it afterwards, when his mind started to go floaty. He doesn't remember much of the evening, but can safely assume that he spent the dance stumbling around and making a fool of himself. His classmates kept bringing it up for weeks afterwards with big, teasing smiles.
His stomach hurts, suddenly. "Right."
"Yuuri? Is something wrong?"
"I, um. Don't like thinking of the winter dance."
"Oh." Why does Viktor sound disappointed? Just because he had a good time doesn't mean everyone else did.
"All right, good job everyone," Professor Minako says. "Let's move on to some stretches."
After dance class, it's finally time to take care of some of Viktor's academic needs. The mood between them has gone quiet, and while they're still walking the halls close together, they're not holding hands. Yuuri's not sure what went wrong, but he can only assume that Viktor is realizing how much of his time Yuuri has monopolized, and understandably regretting returning his bag.
Professor Yakov is on the fourth floor, up a winding set of stone stairs. He only works with the most advanced students, and has a reputation for being very intimidating. Yuuri climbs them with trepidation.
The door is propped open. Viktor enters without knocking, instead calling out a breezy, "Hello, Yakov! I have a friend today!"
Yuuri follows close behind, shocked at the casual greeting.
"A friend?" Professor Yakov asks, looking at Yuuri like he's a lost child who wandered into his room.
"This is Katsuki Yuuri," Viktor says, holding up his hand with the magical ring by way of explanation. "We're stuck together today, after a bit of an incident."
"You did this?" Professor Yakov asks, inspecting the ring and then frowning at Yuuri.
"I was trying to bind a Fleurpoodle for class," he explains, miserable. "Professor Celestino said that it should wear off on its own."
"It's neatly done, with a good looping core," Professor Yakov says, voice gruff. "You said you did this by accident?"
"I was impressed too," Viktor says, a ghost of his earlier cheer making an appearance. "It even has cute little flowers, see?"
"Hmmm." Professor Yakov looks at Yuuri again, like he's reconsidering. "Well, he's right, it should wear off on its own. You do know the only reason it worked, don't you?"
Yuuri tilts his head, trying to think. "I don't, sir."
"It's because—"
"Oh, Yakov! I had something for you!" Viktor interjects, forcing a leather-bound spell book into the professor's hands. "Take a look at page 143. I think I've finally cracked it."
Yakov pauses, frown deepening. "All right, Vitya."
Viktor is an advanced student, and that book represents the culmination of his studies; his own spells and ideas, illustrated and annotated. Yuuri is very curious about what the professor was about to say, but even he is distracted by the beautiful work. Viktor's handwriting is clear and expertly shaped, his lines steady and precise in every handwritten array and sequence.
"I think you solved it," Yakov says, after reviewing it for a time. "I assume you've practiced too?"
"Of course," Viktor says. He raises his hand and speaks a few words, drawing in the air with clean and even strokes that glow in the air. After a moment or two, a delicately shaped crystal materializes in the air, hanging there.
"It's so beautiful," Yuuri can't stop himself from saying, mesmerized. He is skilled at magic and sees it every day, but watching Viktor cast a spell is something else entirely.
Rather than hand it to his advisor, Viktor gives it to Yuuri first. It's not a crystal, as he'd first assumed, but a small ice sculpture, shaped like a napping Fleurpoodle in excruciating detail. Yuuri holds it like the treasure it is, looking it over from every angle, before catching himself and passing it to the professor.
"A very neat trick," Professor Yakov says.
Yuuri doesn't think he's as impressed as he should be.
"Yes," Viktor says, "I believe it's quite suitable for restaurant and festival use. If you work from a flavored base, it can feature in drinks or desserts, and I'm able to form them on a stick for easy consumption."
"Frivolous. But I imagine it will be popular. Your flair for the dramatic will earn you a lot of money after you graduate," Professor Yakov allows. "Have you spoken to the patent office?"
"I have the initial design registered already," Viktor says.
"Can you do other shapes too?" Yuuri asks, fascinated.
"Of course!" Viktor raises his hands and begins to cast again, producing a tiny version of Yuuri himself, miniature glasses and all. He hands it over. "It's not practical to cast it every time, of course, but I plan to create a few standard shapes and enchant them into an artifact for easier use."
Viktor's incredible. The most talented mage of his age by far. "I love it," Yuuri says softly, still holding the ice version of himself, which is just now starting to melt at his body heat. "Thank you for showing me."
It's not like Viktor had a choice but to share it, with Yuuri practically stuck at his side, but still.
Viktor's smile returns. "Anytime, Yuuri."
Viktor and Professor Yakov discuss more logistics about enchanting an artifact for his graduation display: what materials would work best, what shape would be most suitable. If he has a supply of sugared syrup he can even serve it to guests, many of whom are high level mages looking to hire workers, and that will help make him even more sought-after as a prospect. Yuuri listens quietly, the realization that Viktor will be graduating soon sinking in even further. It's really lucky that his spell misfired and he gets to spend time with him, if only for this one day.
As Viktor is packing up his things, Professor Yakov puts his hand on Yuuri's shoulder. "When you're looking for your graduate advisor, make sure you reach out to me."
What!?
"Thank you, Professor. I-I will!"
"That's a neat bit of spellwork you cast on Vitya," he continues, quietly. "Binding another person is only possible for the very skilled, and only works if the target wants to be caught."
There's a long pause as Yuuri processes that. "Oh. Thank you."
Viktor's ears flush pink when he's embarrassed. "Thank you, Yakov."
"Have a good evening, Mr. Katsuki. Vitya."
With that, they are dismissed.
"Viktor," he says in the hallway outside, slowly, when it becomes clear that the other boy isn't going to bring it up. "Why me? Don't get me wrong, today has been—amazing, I've always looked up to you so much, and wanted to—but. Why me? I don't think we've ever spoken before."
Viktor flinches like he's been hit. "Ah, well. I have a reputation for following my whims. I'm glad you had fun today; I did too."
"Your— your whims?" It doesn't make sense. What about Yuuri could possibly have caught his attention? Walking straight into him at breakfast?
Viktor stops in the middle of the hallway. "You said that you don't like to think about it, but I suppose it was more memorable for me."
"What was?"
Viktor looks away, his bangs obscuring his face. "The winter dance."
"The winter dance," Yuuri says slowly, then covers his mouth in horror. He'd drunk that stupid calming potion with Viktor in mind, so does that mean...? "Oh, no, what did I do? I'm so sorry, I don't remember most of that night. I was so nervous that I brewed a calming potion, but it was too strong and—"
"What!?" Viktor turns to him with wide eyes. "Wait. Yuuri. That's why you haven't talked to me since then? You don't remember any of it?"
"I remember arriving, and how bitter the potion tasted," Yuuri says, helplessly as he reframes everything that has happened since.
"You swept me off my feet," Viktor explains, all the enthusiasm returning to his face. "You wouldn't let anyone close enough to ask me for another dance, so I spent the entire evening with you. You were quite insistent about it. I didn't mind because, as you know, you're a fabulous dancer and we were having so much fun talking?"
"And I don't remember any of it?" Yuuri feels robbed. "I never would have imagined— I mean, I went to the dance that night hoping but I didn't think I'd succeed."
"It was amazing. You were amazing. I've been trying to find a reason to talk with you since, but you didn't seem interested... I should have asked you out and avoided all of this torturous waiting." Viktor lifts up Yuuri's hand and brushes his lips over his knuckles, making his heartbeat kick up. "What do you say? Today was fun, yes? Do you want to spend more time together? Perhaps on a date?"
There's no universe where he'd refuse. "Yes. If you're willing to have me."
"Yes," Viktor says, grinning. "Oh, that was so much easier than I imagined."
Yuuri laughs. "Easier? You had to spend the entire day magically tied to me!"
"That was just a bonus. I meant asking you out." He's so pretty, especially his smile. Yuuri is never going to get used to it.
Borrowing courage, Yuuri lifts Viktor's hand and returns the gesture, blushing as his lips brush Viktor's knuckles.
The binding charm dissipates with a bell-tone and a shower of glittering blue sparkles, its purpose complete.
"Isn't he just the best?" Viktor says, appearing from the sea of visitors at Yuuri's graduation exhibition to drape himself over Yuuri's shoulders. This puts his hand on display in a calculated way to show off the glowing ring to maximum effect. "How are you liking the show?"
Katsuki Hiroko smiles at them. Both his parents had been able to attend, thanks to Mari stepping up to mind the hot springs. "Of course. We're so proud of him."
Yuuri's father, Toshiya, isn't magical in the slightest, but he still seems to be enjoying himself. "We're so proud of you both. And now that Yuuri has graduated, maybe you can finally take some time off to visit home properly."
"Of course," Viktor says, "Yuuri deserves a vacation after all his hard work."
Yuuri fiddles with his own glowing ring, feeling shy now that all the plans they've talked about are closer. Although they haven't broken the news to their families yet, he and Viktor will be back in Hasetsu—for their eventual wedding.
Viktor settles in more firmly against Yuuri's back, the warm weight of his body a comfort. It's technically closer than is appropriate at a school function, but it's the end of the night and the event is winding down. Plus, their relationship is not a surprise to anyone halfway familiar with the school; their magical rings had even started a brief fad amongst the mages who were strong enough to attempt them. A binding spell can only work on another person with their consent, and the rings on their fingers are a quite literal display of their skill and devotion to each other—no matter how far they wander.
Yuuri has the hardest time when he's surrounded by love; with his family, his classmates, and Viktor so close. His chest feels tight with more emotions than he can name, but chief among them: love.