๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ โ [ หสโกษห. ] a private blog for dependent original muse penned + loved by ๐ [ 30+ , she/her , est ] for windsorbay .
scorched ice. hung up skates. perfectionist. camera ready. the prodigy. leg warmers. trophy child. a sea of medals. frilly skirts and dresses. sequins and glitter. shopaholic. life of the party. eldest daughter core. conceal and don't feel. a winner that completely lost in the end. a fallen star. sister. tired. feisty. living for herself.
โช ย ย ๐ชป ย ย โซ ย ย ย สแดส ๊ฑแดแดสส.
TW: injury/surgery mentioned
If you Google or search up Hanna Yunjin Park, multiple articles and sites will show you her extensive figure skating career of over 20 years. She was Team USAโs secret weapon and ultimate all star on the ice rink and it was a title that she wore loud and proud. Growing up, the Parks had high expectations for each of their daughters. Truthfully, she didnโt know what familial love was until her youngest sister was born. With what she had been through, she didnโt want Aria to go through the same treatment and so, she bore all the pressure and became the expected legacy. Ignoring the fact that their parents were pitting them against each other, she purposely overshadowed her sister, so that she didnโt have to deal with the brunt of their parentsโ brutal vision.
She was Windsor Bayโs very own prodigy on ice and in academics as well. Failure was never an option and if it were to happen, she buried those consequential memories deep that she did not want to look back on. Her decision to go into ice skating as a child happened on a whim, when she attended her cousinโs hockey game at Crystal Ice Palace and noticed a group of figure skaters practicing. She was seven years old at the time when she announced it to her parents and right away they saw the potential in their eldest daughter to compete in the big leagues.
Representing Team USA, she was one of the few figure skaters that ever placed themselves on the podium. With great pride, she accepted each win with grace, but deep down, she wasnโt doing this for her country, but more so for her parents' satisfaction. What kept her going was the love she had for this sport and because she was passionate about it, it made it easier to handle criticism and expectations. But what happens, when the one thing you loveโthe one thing that gave you purposeโgets taken away from you? In the midst of her career, she was diagnosed with Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS). The pain was unbearable to withstand and because she was expected to compete, physical therapy could only do so much that it got to the point where it was necessary to undergo surgery for it. After going through the surgical procedure called fasciotomy, she was able to continue in her career. However, Hanna knew that she wasnโt the same and at some point, she would have to give this up.
Initially, she wanted to retire at around 29 years old, but due to the labour intensive training she had gone through, she was just shy of 3 years as she left competitive skating at 26 years old. She felt like a failure because she was always determined to reach that goal despite the hardships that were thrown at her. However, her body gave up on her when she least expected and from there, she accepted her fate and decided to shift her career. Although she majored in Kinesiology and even graduated from John Hopkins University, Hanna couldnโt bring herself to become a physical therapist, she still loved skating and so, she decided to pivot her career into a similar fashion and became a figure skating coach at Windsor Bayโs Crystal Ice Palace (talk about full circle). On top of that she started her own business and made the townโs very own rage room called Breaking Point as a means to help others express themselves freely.ย
What the search engines donโt tell you is that Hanna Yunjin Park chose herself in the end and that in itself is considered her number one victory of it all.ย
known as windsor bay's pride and joy, but mostly known as the ice princess โ as an olympian, she was highly competitive and confident, yet cut throat in her craftโthe ice princess is both a literal and figurative label
she is overprotective over aria park โ she practically raised her younger sister growing up and will do anything and everything for her
while she lives downtown, she has property in the farmlands (an estate) that she would retreat to if she wants alone time โ sometimes uses it as an airbnb
doesn't want children of her own โ with everything she had been through, she made this decision out of her own fear and memories. she loves children, don't get her wrongโbut she refuses to raise them in an environment where her own mind and emotions are not properly regulated or fully healed. she doesn't want history to repeat itself. โ she won't explain this to everyone, she just says it like it is
has two dobermans named Axel and Xena and a mexican black kingsnake named Nyx
breaking point was inspired by all the pent of emotions she had post olympian eraโmostly anger, resentment and disappointmentโwhile she was coaching at crystal ice palace, she noticed the vacant property of a run down warehouse and thought why the fuck not?
aside from figure skating, she also does boxing and aerial gymnastics on her free time
has a passion for fashionโdoesn't care if she shows up to the breaking point in heels or dresses (don't worry, she will change into PEP gear if she enters any of the rage rooms)
despite her age, she does love a good night life
she'd been poached by team usa to coach during the winter olympics, but she refuses as she wanted to leave the past behind (in truth she's still heartbroken) โ they still try seeing as they do see her coaching in certain competitions
her dating life has been a hit or miss, hence why she's more comfortable with casual relationshipsโshe still hasn't found the one (almost did, but had to end it due to the no children decision)
*hanna was born and raised in windsor bay, overall has been living here for 10+ years, except when she had to participate in competitions + the olympics, so i'm open to anything platonic, negative, romantic, etc.
neighbours - she lives in a town home located downtown
regular customers at breaking point
clients that needed figure skating lessons/coaching
figure skating partner from the past (olympics only)
rivals in figure skating
childhood friends, classmates, neighbours from childhood home
unlikely friends, good/bad influence
blind date/dating app date
exes
enemies to lover type beat
right person, wrong time
enemies period
the rest is tbd ! โ feel free to reach out to me on d*scord or tumblr im if you have any ideas for specific connections with her. totally down for it! :3
JJ walked into the Crystal Ice Palace during his lunch break, hoping to catch his cousin between his skating lessons so that they could grab a bite. But seeing that he was still in the middle of a lesson when he arrived, he decided to stick around and wait for him to finish up. He was pacing around the lobby, glancing at the bulletin board that advertised the very skating lessons being offered. He glanced away for a moment when he heard footsteps approaching and came across a familiar face. "Do my eyes deceive me?" He grinned as he approached the other. "I wasn't expecting to run into the Hanna Park here today."
Speaking to one of the parents of her students, Hanna gave them the run down of their upcoming competitions and spent time marking them together on their phone's calendar in the process. Once they were finished, she heard a voice call out to her and she politely dismissed them before turning away to see who it is. Glancing up, she noticed a familiar face in her presence. โDr. Hayes.โ she greeted. โReally? I feel like Crystal Ice Palace is my second home in comparison to Breaking Point.โ Tilting her head, she then asked, โAre you here cause of your cousin?โย
Hattie's brows lifted slightly in surprise hearing the woman also worked in the Farmlands. "Oh where at?" she asked curiously. She nodded softly "Yeah, eventually I think I'll have it all. My wallet tells me to pick and choose carefully though" she exhaled a laugh. She could get over interested in her hobbies and overspend very easily, but she figured a few chickens, one cow, maybe a couple goats or sheep to start out wouldn't be too bad. Slow and steady.
"Thank you, I worked with horses pretty much my entire life so I don't doubt the ability. I need to make sure she's got somewhere to stay, make sure the ground is good for her hooves, build a small shelter, get a ton of hay, shoes, equiptment." she listed out like a laundry list. "But I do already really like her, you know how sometimes people or things just kinda call out to you?" she glanced at Hanna. "It feels like that."
Hattie nodded "kinda I guess, I live on a farm- its small but I've only been here for like.. 3 months now. So I'm hoping by the spring to have everything set up and ready for some plants and then if I do get my livestock I can sell the produce to Farm to Fork."
โI own Breaking Point and I also teach figure skating at Crystal Ice Palace.โ replied Hanna as she described the work she had done in the Farmlands. โSmart girl, some people are just impulsive and think of their financial consequences later.โ ย Hanna had her fair share of moments like that, but luckily she was able to bounce back from them responsibly.
โHorses huh? Thatโs handy for the Sinclair ranch.โ she pointed out as she mentioned the prominent familyโs known asset in the Farmlands. โFrom the sounds of it, that is a solid plan for your future horse.โ Hanna mused at first before nodding in understanding. โI know the feeling, your intuition is strong with that one.โย
After learning sheโd been here for 3 months, Hanna tilted her head and asked, โOh wow, how are you liking the place? Is it different from your previous home?โ She then flashed her a reassuring smile and added, โYou got this. With all that planned out, Iโm sure youโre able to accomplish it.โ
Vihaan couldnโt help but roll his eyes at Hannaโs words about his mother. He knew this already and yet hearing it just solidified and reminded him how much his mother in fact adored Hanna as well. There were still days where heโd head home and his mother would ask yet againย why on earth they werenโt together again. Giving his mother the real reason had never been on Vihaanโs radar and it wouldnโt change now. She didnโt need to know the inner workings of their relationship. He groaned when he felt the kick to his leg though hand growled at her for a second, โIโm always mature, wish I could say the same about you.โ he retorted sounding anything but mature. โClaws need to be kept inside Hanna, weโre in a public place,โ he pointed out with a knowing look before shaking his head. โNo oneโs going to take advantage of me, Iโm not a naรฏve little boy,โ he told her with a shrug before asking her about her prospects. Her answer had him chuckling for a second before shaking his head. โHan, youโre going to have to get back on the horse, a woman like youโdeserves to feel special and doted on.โ He knew she might argue his words but he had always enjoyed spoiling her whenever theyโd been dating.
Without any hesitation, she stuck up her middle finger before picking up her tea and taking a long sip of it to cleanse her palette. โYouโre soโฆโ she hissed at first, but stopped once the server came to top up her drink. Clenching her jaw slightly, she went back to eating in silence and rolled her eyes once more at his claim, โRight, so when your heart gets shatteredโฆDonโt come crying to me.โ Setting her chopsticks down, she sighed and expected Vihaan to respond in such a manner and so she met his gaze and shook his head to confirm, โYouโre just saying that as my ex and as someone that still cares about meโwhich I do appreciate. I hear you, but Iโm okay. I donโt see a point in forcing it if itโs not in the cards for me.โ Call it her pride or her ego, but Hanna refused to fall in love again if it meant the other wasnโt going to see eye to eye with her.ย
โI meanโฆI got over the fear because of your insistence that I come over and try to hold her and feed her and all that. It still took a while though,โ but now at least Aria could proudly say she wasnโt afraid of snakes, but asides from Nyx, she wouldnโt really like any othersโthat much she knew. โOkay okay, I mean Iโd be nice to them and like pay for dates or whatever so I wouldnโt be using them, more likeโฆpaying for services,โ she realized how that came across and shook her head. โOkay letโs cancel that idea, youโre right itโs not happening.โ But of course hearing her big sister say none of her friends deserved her had Aria grinning even though that last little statement about love from Hanna had her curious.
โOh yeah? And what stupid shit have you done in love eonni?โ Aria asked the question in a teasing tone but she was pretty serious in wanting the answerโshe just hoped her big sister didnโt evade it. She waited for Hanna to turn to her and when she did and mentioned she wouldnโt be a giving mood, Aria merely narrowed her eyes at her. โIโm offended, and here I thought youโre always in a giving mood with me,โ she chuckled though as she rattled off her list that she most certainly was not going to be walking out of the mall with. โI meanโฆhalf the paycheque is allowed, right?โ Theyโd both been raised by Korean parents which meant from a very young age they had learnt the rules of saving 20% of your paycheque in savings accounts and all that and given how long theyโd both been earning, she knew they were both luckily fine in the financial department.
โNo thatโs what Iโm saying eonni, I know enough about cars, but I love when they try to gaslight me into thinking I know nothing. That typical mentality when they see a woman coming in with her car and has heels on and her nails done. They only thing I went in for was a light kept coming on and I read the manual front and back, tried a few fixes myself and it didnโt help and so they only had to investigate and not actually do anything,โ Aria explained before hearing her sisterโs slightly overprotective streak coming out. โNah Iโll be fine, I canโt wait to show them that Iโm not a novice when it comes to cars, itโll be a good moment for my self-esteem, I assure you.โย
โI wouldnโt say I was insistent on the matter. More so, I was trying to advise you on how much she means to me.โ A playful grin crept onto her lips before her expression shifted into an irritated one. โDonโt care, thereโs no way Iโm letting you use my friend group in your shenanigans.โ Overprotective Hanna strikes again as she crossed her arms and watched as Aria retracted her idea. โThought so.โ she murmured under her breath.ย
Hearing Ariaโs perspective towards the mechanics taking advantage of her made her gain an understanding that yes, her younger sister is capable of taking care of herself. However, that still wouldn't stop the eldest Park from looking out for her. โAlright.โ she finally said after a beat as she pulled up to the mallโs parking garage. โIf you say so.โ She trusted her enough and if she did need her help, sheโs aware that Aria would make that known. Parking her vehicle, she got out and locked it before linking arms with her sister and making their way inside Avenue 20. โLead the way since you have a shopping list of your own. Iโll be here for the vibes or until I see something I want.โ
closed starter for @hcnnapcrk
location: crystal ice palace
The first time back on the ice felt daunting. Technically, it was her third, if Amara counted that one other time she dared to visit the ice rink and the more recent visit to the open and public ice rink at Belmont Park over Christmas โ the latter giving her enough boost of confidence that she decided to spent her day off at Crystal Ice Palace. Well, at least a couple hours of it.
Stepping on the ice, it greeted her with that familiar soft creak. Amara glid back and forth a couple time around the edge before moving close to the center when a familiar voice caught up to her. And here she thought she was all alone. "I thought these were open hours." She mused, facing Hanna and a teenage girl standing close by.
โAgain.โ instructed Hanna as she had her student practice a specific skating move that she had just taught her. With a watchful eye, she proceeded to assess her movements and form to a tee and while she held no expression to indicate right or wrong, she simply repeated herself again as a way to help her practice until she got it right. After three tries, the ex-figure skater paused and showed it to her again, providing feedback on what could change. โNow, again.โย
Watching in silence, Hanna waited until they had finished and was just about to provide more tips when she heard a familiar voice appear behind her. Turning around, she noticed Amara and greeted her with a nod, โIt is. I sometimes make my students stay back as I have some feedback to give them.โ Turning back to her student, โOne more and then you can head out.โ She then watched the other skate before askign out loud, โSince when were you back on the ice?โ
Adrian stayed still while she spoke, not reaching for excuses. He leaned back too, mirroring her posture. His eyes met hers. Acceptance didn't come easily to himโbut he was sitting in it now. He paused, then spoke. "Right, I don't disagree with any of that." A single nod followed his words, there was no need to argue back. Hurt feelings were not part of this, truth mattered more than pride here.
He picked up his glass again, not to drink right away - just to have something to do with his hands. "I am trying," Adrian added, voice low. "Not in a dramatic, overnight transformation way. Justโฆ consistently. Showing up when it's uncomfortable, not defaulting to distance when things get complicated." He glanced at her then, steady. "I do hope it works. It's not like I'm chasing some clean ending, I finally understand what's at stake if I don't do the work. That took me longer than I'd like to admit."
Her last words didn't sting the way they once might have. If anything, they felt earned. "I'm not planning on moving backward," Adrian said quietly. "Even when it'd be easier." He tipped his glass toward her in a small, understated gesture. "Soโฆ thank you. For saying it straight, you always did."
Seeing that they were both on the same page, Hanna nodded and continued to drink and eat as she listened to Adrian go on about his efforts to change. โIf you had claimed that you had changed completely, I would have called cap on that and considered you delusional.โ she pointed out in a matter of fact tone. โSo itโs definitely good progress to see that youโre self aware when it comes to being consistent and putting in the effort.โย
Hearing his hopeful tone when it came to this Naina girl made her realize that he was serious about her and so, she nodded in understanding and said, โAlright, you donโt need to convince me or anyone for that matter. Just do it for yourself.โ Because at the end of the day, he held a last name that already had a reputation in itself. Therefore, anyone and everyone will always have an opinion. What mattered most was his belief in himself.ย
Finishing up her beer, Hanna slumped into her seat and shrugged, โSure. If you say so and no need to thank me. I didnโt do much, Iโm just conversing with you on what I know.โย
A smile tugged at Marlowe's face the moment the words landed, her gaze warming like sunlight through glass. She answered without hurry, voice low but clear, "Um, duh, of course I want to say hi." Forward she moved, Hanna still holding the door open, stopping only briefly to look back - her smile slight, full of quiet thanks, proof she had taken in every word and let it stay. She said, "If it means anythingโฆ that part about not faking anymore? I see it, it shows. You carry yourself differently when you stop pretending. Less weight there, even on slow days."
Outside, she lowered herself down with care, leaning the cane aside while stretching her fingers forward, offering Axel and Xena space to decide. "Hello," came her whisper. "I've been thinking about you." Fingers grazed a well known shape, fur under touch, and joy tugged at her lips whether she meant it or not. "Still perfect, I see" slipped out before silence returned. Her gaze lifted to Hanna, a spark of amusement lighting her face again. "You weren't kidding about thriving under supervision."
Marloweโs comment caught Hanna off guard as she stood there not sure how to respond. Her lips slowly curled into a knowing smile as she had to agree that there was less weight that she would normally feel if she were to pretend. โWell I appreciate the acknowledgement.โ she sincerely replied with a faint smile before leading her to Axel and Xena.
Seeing her dogsโ excitement, the figure skater chuckled softly as she observed their interaction. They were well behaved when it came to Marlowe, making sure not to overwhelm her as they gently made their way to her side despite still being tied down. โNot at all, Iโve invested in them and my pet snake the most in comparison to myself and with that being said, they should be thriving at all times.โย
Vihaan couldn't help but laugh at just how quickly Hanna's behaviour changed from hissing at him like her damn snake and then turning into an angel in front of the waiter. What a show. He shook his head, hiding his laugh before looking up at the waiter and nodding his gratitude at him. "Thanks man," he quickly said before looking back at her with a pointed look. "You're concerned because you know my mother is on my back, nice Han," he rolled his eyes before taking his cutlery and beginning to eat his food. "You already have," he retorted before letting out another laugh. She brought out the worst in him. And the best too, even if right now--they were going with the worst. "My roster huh? Sounds good--I'll bring them around to get your approval," he rolled his eyes before taking a sushi roll and popping it in his mouth. Once he was done with it, he looked back at her. "What about you? How's the dating scene treating you?"
โI love your mother.โ Hanna countered back with a glare as she did in fact find his mother to be the sweetest woman on the planet with the biggest heart. At Vihaanโs comeback, she quickly kicked him under the table before resuming her meal, โReal mature.โ she muttered under her breath. He knew how to get under her skin and as much as she would love to ignore it each time, it was impossible to not give in. โYou should because the last thing I want is some bitch taking advantage of you.โ Jealousy? No. Overprotective? Yes. And if thereโs one thing Hanna knew about Vihaan it was that he loved hard and so, whoever was his next partner needed to cherish that heart of his. โDry like a sahara desert. Thereโs no scene, thereโs no dating, if anything casual hook ups here and there, but I canโt be bothered. Too much work.โย
Marlowe took the matcha, giving a thankful nod, her fingers wrapping around the cup as if it was just what she needed. "You're a lifesaver," she said softly. "This already made a difference for me, placebo or not."
When Hanna brought up how dogs sometimes look like their owners, she gave a little smile and looked over at the window again. "If that's the case," she said, almost jokingly, "then your kids absolutely got your way of staying disciplined and your high expectations. Good standards, solid routines." A beat, teasing. "And no patience for nonsense."
But as Hanna spoke again, her tone changed, and Marlowe noticed it instantly. She didn't try to make it sound nicer or argue, she just accepted it as it was. "I know," she said after a moment. "I swear, most folks just get really good at keeping things to themselves. It's a tough spot, especially after being told their whole lives that making a mistake is basically the same as failing." Her thumb traced the cup without realizing it. "That doesn't make the weight disappear." She glanced back at Hanna, with an intense look in her eyes. "You know, some people say masking is how they get by, that doesn't have to be the only way, though. At least, not in little moments like this." Then, a little smile came back. "You're not the kind of person who enjoys faking things, no matter how tired you are."
โI got you.โ reassured Hanna with a grin. Itโs little things like this that turn the day around for the better or at least she could hope that good karma can come her way. She pursed her lips together and felt herself softening at the description Marlowe gave when it came to the similarities between her and her dogs. โAwww, I loved every single bit of that, you told no lies.โ It was true though, Axel and Xena were extremely disciplined due to the amount of lessons and training she had put them through. On top of that, she only provides them with the best as they were her own version of children in her day to day life.ย
โThey donโt say โFake it to makeโ for nothing.โ she mused as she gave Marlowe a knowing look. โYou end up learning as youโre older that it wasnโt what you expected it to be and then you regret all that time you invested in taking things seriously when you could have just lived.โ However, when the younger woman spoke on and expressed a different perspective, Hanna briefly stopped at the door and laughed as she was impressed with her maturity and thought process. โDamn, when you put it that wayโฆI guess so. I had to learn to not be the type of person to fake things, it took a while, but I finally got to that point where I couldnโt suppress it anymore. If you're aware of that, then I know you're capable of bouncing back when you experience your own lows.โ She then held the door for her and asked, โ...Want to say hi to them?โ Nudging her head towards the dogs.
The girl smiled wide and excitedly pet them both at the same time, "OH my goodness" she gushed over them. Her eyes shifting up to look at Hanna again as she spoke "Well I'd say it was money well spent" she grinned then shook her head a bit "not yet."
"I been thinkin' of getting a dog myself but I'm trying to figure out a bunch of other stuff too" she added. "I live in the farmlands and I wanna get some livestock, so I am trying to figure out what comes first" The girl inhaled a breath before shrugging "I did happen to find a rescue horse that is looking to be rehomed which I'm heavily considering."
Hattie smiled a little and nodded as she didn't seem to disapprove of quitting. "Oh I'm plenty active, like I said, I live on a farm and I'm currently in the process of getting everything ready for spring so I can plan some crops and everything. It was more of a" she paused to think. "I dunno everyone who does like running makes it seem like its the best feeling since eating ice cream or something" she laughed. "I wanted to see what it was all about."
โWhy thank you, that just made my wallet feel even better.โ It took a lot of effort to take really good care of pets in general and she will always say, theyโre just like children except extra expensive. You canโt find cheaper alternatives when it comes to their essentials and health. Noticing the excitement and joy in Axel and Xenaโs behaviour, Hanna felt proud of their growth so far and that their hard work and discipline certainly paid off.
โOh really? I work in the Farmlands and honestly? The way I see it, work towards aiming for both. I feel like theyโd be perfect for that setting.โ Hannaโs face lit up after learning about the rescue horse that the blonde found and said, โAwww! Iโm sure youโll take amazing care of them.โย
Continuing down the trail, she wrapped both her dogs' leashes a little bit more to keep them in line as there were other passerbys along the way. โThat is a lot of manual labour. So you work as some sort of farmer or something?โ mused Hanna. โGirl, itโs all an illusion and theyโre practically gas lighting everyone. Iโm an athlete myself, but running never gave me any joy. Energy yes, but happiness? Definitely not.โ
โI meanโฆI donโt know, two big gaping holes thereโฆnot a great look,โ she shook her head before widening her eyes at her sisterโs slightly dramatic response to Ariaโs honesty. Sheโd been scared of the snake, sue her. Sheโd luckily gotten a lot better about it post that though and was pleased Hanna appreciated it. โSheโs definitely a stunner,โ Aria commented before nodding at her and chuckling at the memory of screaming her lungs out the first few times sheโd had to come over. โI had a fear of snakes as a child, do you not remember this?โย
โThatโs so depressing, I really thought someone as cool as you would have some single friends that would help me outโฆespecially if weโre not looking for it to be anything real, mostly just a ruse to get eomma off my back,โ she grinned at her sister before sighing and rolling her eyes. โSo dramatic you are eonni, I wonโt ever owe a man anything.โย And she meant it.
Aria grinned wide at her sister before nodding, โduhโitโs why itโs the best. Not to mention you always buy me things I swear I donโt need, itโs the benefit of you being the big sister.โ She may have said this but from time to time, whenever Hanna would let her, Aria would return the favour and buy her sister something special too. She walked alongside her towards the car before nodding, โitโll be more than boots, maybe a bag too, Iโve been looking for a good one to take my laptop around,โ she mused before rolling her eyes and groaning at the topic of her car. โI have no idea, something about the coolant now? Iโm going to head down there tomorrow and see how they attempt to rip me off, itโll be fun.โ Aria may not be a mechanic, but she knew enough about cars to know when they were trying to fleece her.
โOh shut up.โ Hanna muttered while waving her sister off. It was a given that they would make fun of each other, so there was no point in beating around the bush. โI do remember, but as you get older, you grow out of those fears somehow. If anything, you should be thanking me. I helped you conquer thatโor at least Nyx did.โ
Rolling her eyes, she placed the key in the ignition and drove off in the direction of the mall. โYouโre out of your mind if you even think I would let you use one of my friends as a fake boyfriend. Theyโll fail miserably at it and again, youโre my little sisterโthey donโt deserve you even if itโs all pretend.โ She then narrowed her gaze and dismissed Ariaโs dramatic claim, โYou say that now, but love makes you do stupid shit.โ she warned.ย
Stopping at a redlight, she adjusted the heaters and the volume of her speakers before returning her attention to her sister as she spoke. โWell babe, the holidays passed. Donโt expect that Iโm in a giving mood.โ After hearing Ariaโs shopping list, she then arched a brow and said, โFrom the looks of it, I bet weโll be spending our whole paycheck today.โ
Once the stop light turned green, Hanna drove forward and shook her head in disappointment as she lectured her sister. โAria, you need to know or at least have them dumb it down for you and explain each line item on the invoice as to why theyโre charging and doing said service. Thereโs no shame in doing that, especially in this god damn economy.โ After learning that she was going to see the mechanics tomorrow, she then asked, โDo you need a ride?โ Itโs not like she was self inviting herself to chastise them, but if the opportunity presents itself then why not?ย
"It's why we're best friends," he pointed out with a chuckle at her very colorful words for him. "Yeah yeah, you stand by your statement, I'll stick with mine," he rolled his eyes before taking a sip from his water before nodding at her words about having King interact with Axel and Xena, it would be a great time for the dogs for sure. "Tell you everything? I could...but where's the fun in that Han?" He grinned at her before she began her assumptions and so he ensured he kept his expression stoic, not wanting to react and give her the slightest edge. "You're very obsessed with my sex life...not a good look for an ex," he pointed out before chuckling at her words. "We'll go with that, I matched with a few people on a couple apps, met a few people in person and yeah, it's just so hard to get over you, you know?" Was it all a joke--maybe, but he wouldn't admit the truth there either. Not when it had been so long and they'd both been attempting to move on past it.
And for that they were both lucky to still keep each other around despite what they could have been. Aside from her sister, Vihaan was up there when it came to people she trusted and she meant that even outside of their relationship. He was genuinely a good friend overall. Sighing in defeat, she knew there was no point in trying to poke the bear when it felt like sheโs poking a wall. โShut up.โ she hissed back, but the timing of their server giving them their food made it seem like she was arguing with him and so she switched up her expression immediately and beamed as she thanked them. โAnyways, Iโm not obsessed, Iโm concerned. Youโre not getting any younger and surely your mother is expecting marriage and the whole shabang already.โ Hanna then fell silent as Vihaan half assed confirmed how his mood got lighter, โOh fuck you.โ she clapped back before pouring some soy sauce in its small dish and digging in to eat. โWhatever, you better introduce me to your roster if youโre committing to them or one of them at least.โย
She spoke and Adrian stayed quiet, absorbing every part. Her mockery, the sharpness, the raw words aimed straight at him, nothing softened. He deserved that much, maybe more. After her last word hung in the air, he remained still, jaw clenched, gaze locked on his drink as if answers could rise from the glass. "Yup," he said finally, quiet. "You're not wrong. Pulling back has always been my move." He glanced up at her then, meeting her eyes fully. "I'm not proud of it, but I'm also not going to pretend it wasn't part of why we ended where we did." He took a deep breath. What came next held weight. "I'm not asking you to play nice with me, I know better than that." A faint, rueful smile flickered and disappeared. "I'm just trying to be clearer than I used to be."
Sliding a bit on the chair, he settled into place. "There's someone now," he stated, quiet and clear. "Naina, that's her name. Things areโฆ fine, solid. I'm actually making an effort to handle it better this time." The words stayed firm, though never sharp. "That's part of why I said what I said about keeping things clean," Adrian added. "Not because I don't care about you, I do, but because I finally understand the cost of not being honest about where I am."
He listened to her words about disruption, about making things known instead of burying them, and nodded slowly. "You've always been better at that than me," he admitted. "I'm still learning." His gaze held hers, steady and respectful. "I'm not here to rewrite history or pretend we didn't matter. I just don't want to repeat the same patterns and hurt people, yourself included. You were always ahead of me on that part."
A stoic expression remained on Hannaโs face as she relaxed into her seat by leaning back. Adrian didnโt push back this time and to even admit that there was a woman he cared about in his life was a revelation in itself. โAlright,โ she finally said after a moment of silence. She could see his sincerity, the guard going down and as doubtful as she was, she had to also accept that people are prone to change and Adrian Sinclair could be one of those examples.ย
โWell, I hear you crystal clear.โ She took a moment to observe him closely and then sighed, as she accepted it for what it is. โWell I hope this time sheโs the one for you and it finally works out.โ Hannaโs tone was far from condescending, in fact it was serious, because she knew what Adrian was capable of when he decided things were going south.ย
Scoffing slightly, she shook her head and began eating again before taking another sip of her beer, โAdrian, life is all about learning. The only thing is, you either commit and apply it or you donโt.โ Nodding, she then chuckled softly and said, โYou still have a lot of growing to do, I just hope you keep moving forward instead of back when shit hits the fan. Focus and work on yourself and thatโs how you end up not hurting the ones around you.โ
Staring where Hanna looked, Marlowe saw Axel and Xena perched by the window as if posing for some polished photo shoot. A slow smile grew on her face. "Clearly, those two belong to you," she said. "And they know it. Look at themโthriving under supervision." Her words carried warmth, the quiet kind earned through time spent noticing small things.
She winced sympathetically at the mention of routine. "Yeah," she said. "Re entry is always the worst part. You start missing the quiet the second you realize it's gone." A small smile followed. "Still, competition season soundsโฆ intense, in a good way."
Hanna spoke of juggling skaters and Breaking Point, and Marlowe's face softened into recognition. "What a load to bear," she thought out loud. "Winter rarely offers gentle starts," she noted. Her arm brushed the counter as she stood slightly sideways, eyes drifting back to Hanna. "Still, you handle it well, even when worn down to the bone."
โApparently dogs look like their owners, I wonder if itโs true.โ Hanna replied with a sneaking suspicion as she looked at her dogs before noticing her reflection on the shop window. She then returned her attention to Marlowe and laughed, โThey have no choice, but to thrive. I only want the best for them.โ
Noticing their iced matcha was made, she took both drinks before handing the one to the younger woman. โWell I hope this little pick me up makes the day or start to your week way better.โ she mused before taking a sip. โIntensity comes with the job, especially given these athletes are competitive in natureโฆโ She would know first hand as an ex-Olympian. โMhm and thatโs pretty sweet of you to say Marlowe. However, donโt let older adults fool you. Theyโre just masking everything in the end.โ As depressive and pessimistic as it sounded, it was the truth if people were more honest with each other at her age. However, failure is seen as not only disappointment, but a sign of weakness.ย
