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I'M BACK! and hopefully will be for the next weeks so I can consistently upload for you 💜 I just really needed to rest my brain from the stuff I had to learn in just a short amount of time. 

Anyways, I just want to thank you guys for staying and reading this book. It really means a lot. As soon as I finish this book, I already have a list of ideas for stories I want to share. So I hope our family grows starting with this book 💜

I'll indicate whether you should start playing the music above 🤗

Without further ado, here's chapter 9!!! -----------------------

October 20, 2017 - First day of the Rostelecom Cup

Luna's POV

All right. Today's the day. For the past three days, I could say that I have calmed my nerves better. I'm not as nervous as I was when we first arrived but of course there's still a tinge of anxiety in my brain.

Me, Zhenya, and Coach Brian also did a pretty decent job at uhm.. at lying to the others about what happened during practice.

- flashback -

As soon as their practice session finished, Yuzu immediately walked towards Coach Brian together with Jason to talk about, I guess what they need to do regarding their performance. Because I was holding Pooh-san, both Yuzu and Jason came to where me and Zhenya are seated.

I nudged Zhenya lightly to remind her about what we were talking about earlier to not spill it to the two. Then I beamed a huge smile to Yuzu as I handed Pooh-san to him and reached out for a hug.

"You did great,  Yuzu-kun!" I said as I pulled out of the hug and ruffled his hair.

Then I hear Jason clear his throat.

"Of course, you too Jason!" I laughed and gave him a side hug.

"Well my quad lutz is kinda meh." Yuzu looked down. Maybe thinking what he could do to nail that jump on the day of the competition. I held his chin and made him look to me.

"Don't think about it too much. I'm sure you'll be able to do it during the actual competition." I smiled at him.

"I guess so... But what happened earlier?" Yuzu suddenly asked.

"Yeah girl. We were all dazed when you bolted put of the rink." Jason said as he stared at me with his big brown orbs.

"I uh... You see, I was uhm-" I was fidgeting. I have to come up with a solid excuse.

"Guys, guys. I wouldn't bother her too much if I were you. We rushed to the restroom because Luna has her monthly visit." Thank God Zhenya saved me. I did a huge sigh of relief as I shot her an extremely grateful look.

And of course, as they were guys, the two were oblivious to what truly happened.

I hope it stays that way.

- end of flashback -

That's why during that day, I didn't exert as much energy for the free skate practice. I didn't want anyone to suspect me more and I really don't want to risk myself being forfeited out of the competition because of my condition.

My family also has no clue of the incident. They arrived here in Moscow the other day though they were staying at another hotel. I clearly begged Uncle Brian to speak nothing of it to them. The last thing I want to happen is for more people to know.

We were now sitting at the restaurant for breakfast as it is currently 8:00 in the morning. Like I said, all of us were actually not as nervous as when we first got here. Me, Zhenya, Jason, and Javi (yes, Javi woke up early to have breakfast with us) were talking about random things when my gaze landed on Yuzu who was having what looks like a serious conversation with Coach Brian and Coach Tracy.

It looks like he's asking for more advice for the competition. He's such a perfectionist. One of the many reasons why I've fallen head over heels for him.

I didn't realize I was staring at him when Jason said "This girl's got it so damn baaaad." As soon as he said that, I shot a glare at him while he just laughed.

"You know, he's really serious about you Luna. Yuzu really wants to get that gold for you." Javi said seriously as he gave me a smile while eating his french toast.

I looked down at my hands and said "Yes... I know Javi."

timeskip

We had a light lunch at 12:00 noon and proceeded to the arena.

I was wearing my training clothes kinda similar to what Yuzu wears during training. Even though the Ladies' Event don't start until 8 in the evening, me and Zhenya decided to go here first to support Jason, and of course Yuzu.

Zhenya and I walked hand in hand towards Coach Brian who was talking to Coach Tracy.

"Hey guys. What are you doing here? You should rest. You guys are not up till 8 PM." Coach Tracy said as she noticed us.

"We know Coach. We just wanted to support Jason and Yuzu. I hope that's okay? We'll go back and rest in the hotel after they're done." I said. I nudged Zhenya's arm and we both showed them the best puppy dog eyes we can muster.

"All right fine fine. But back to the hotel right after, okay?" Coach Tracy said.

"YAY!" Me and Zhenya jumped for joy while Coach Brian laughed at our childishness.  We then continued to proceed to where Yuzu and Jason are warming up.

As soon as we arrived, we saw the two warming up in different sides of the room. Zhenya went to Jason and I went to Yuzu.

As I walked towards him, his head shot up and he flashed his cute smile at me. He opened his arms, gesturing for me to hug him which I gladly did. He removed his earphones and I looked up to him.

"You feeling okay?" I said.

"I guess. I mean I'm kinda used to it by now. I'm still nervous though. Not because I have to prove them something." Yuzu looked at me as I pull away from the hug.

"Then what's wrong?" I said as I tilt my head to the side because of curiosity.

He then stretched out his hand pinching my cheek "Because I need to win the gold for you, silly."

With that, I felt blood rush to my cheeks. I pulled his hand away from my face out of embarrassment and said "Hey. I know you'll win. You're Mr. Olympic Gold." Yuzu then pouted.

I poked his forehead and continued "Now go warm up. You're in the fourth group right? Jason's in the third?"

"Yeah. Where will you be sitting?"

"We'll sit in the front near the Kiss and Cry. Javi will be there with us. He just went out to buy us coffee from Starbucks." I said. I noticed him take a deep breath. I sensed him tensing up from nervousness so I held both of his hands in mine.

"Hey. You'll do great. Besides, you'll always be the best for me no matter what. Keep that in mind okay? No pressure. Just do what you do best and relax." I assured him as I shook his arms to loosen him up.

"Hai, hime. How come you always know how to calm me down?" Yuzu said as he smiled at me.

"I don't know. Maybe because you love me?" I joked as we laughed together. I then plug his earphones back in his ears and said "We'll be going to our seat now okay? See ya, Yuzu-kun!" I looked back at him and waved. He waved back and continued his warm up.

- 4 hours later -

Right after the Men's Short Program, me and Zhenya went back to the hotel to rest just like Coach Tracy instructed.

Now that I think about it, it's actually a good thing that the Men's event happened before ours just so if anything unfortunate happens to me during my program, I don't worry Jason and especially Yuzu.

Earlier, it seemed like Yuzu was out of it. He fumbled on the landing of his opening quad toe. Then on his last combination jump, he fell out of the triple toe. It was rather uncharacteristic of him two mess up two jumps and I could see his disappointment after his performance. I remember clearly, Yuzu looked at me as he skated back to the Kiss and Cry after his performance and he mouthed a "Sorry" to me. I shook my head and gave him two thumbs up to show that he still did amazing. He IS amazing. He looked so ethereal during his performance of Chopin's Ballade No. 1. The results showed up and his score was 94.85. He got a deduction for the fall and he'a currently in second place behind Nathan Chen by about 6 points.

Anyway, here we are now backstage warming up. Me and Zhenya changed to our costumes and did our makeup back at the hotel just so we don't feel rushed or anything in the arena. Fortunately, (for me) both of us will be skating in the last group so we have time to fully warm up and do some image training.

I was just walking around the room and jamming to my music, my earphones plugged into my ears when they were pulled out by someone from behind.

"Hello hime." I smiled as I turned around seeing Yuzu as well as Jason and Javi.

"Hey guys!" I said excitedly as I jumped to them for a hug.

"Hola chica. You ready for your senior debut?" Javi said as he put a hand on my shoulder.

"I guess so? I can't believe I'm actually competing right now." I chuckled as I replied. Honestly. I never thought I'd have the guts to come back and pursue my dream.

"Well that's awesome! I know you'll do great out there." Jason said as he pulled me in for another hug before continuing "We'll just go to Zhenya." Then Jason pulled Javi towards the other side of the room where Zhenya is.

I looked towards Yuzu who has a small smile on his face. "Still feel bad about earlier?" I said as I caressed his cheek.

He just nodded and looked down.

"Don't go all sad on me. I'll be sad too and then I won't be able to perform to the best that I can." I joked and playfully slapped his arm.

"Of course not! You're emotionally stronger than me Luna-chan. I know you'll be able to nail your performance like you always do." Yuzu snapped out of his sadness and shook my shoulder.

"Sure I will. Promise me you'll keep your eyes on me?" I looked at him seriously after laughing.

"Every second." Yuzu said as he hugged me tight. And just like what I did earlier, he plugged my earphones in my ears again, turned me back and pushed me. "Now go warm up. We'll be seated at the same place where you sat earlier." He sais as he waved back to me while walking away with Jason and Javi.

I just laughed at his playfulness. I take a deep breath and after a few seconds of closing my eyes, I went back to what I was doing.

- timeskip - (again bc why not)

I will perform second in our group right after Wakaba Higuchi of Japan. As her performance was nearing the end, I looked to Yuzu in the stands. I saw him flash me his signature smile and waved at me with Pooh-san. I think he saw that I was kinda nervous and he motioned me to take a deep breath and relax. That I did and instantly, I felt less nervous. I smiled at him and mouthed a "Thank you".

Wakaba-san finished her performance and was now headed to the Kiss and Cry. Which means I will now go out to the ice and prepare for mine. I was just standing on the side with my Uncle in front me.

He looked at me straight in the eye and said"This is it, Luna. You got this in the bag. Just do what you always do."

I nodded and smiled at him.

Wakaba-san finally got her score. A 69.60 which makes her second place behind Carolina Kostner.

I took another deep breath and hugged my uncle.

"Next to skate, from Canada. Luna Saito."

I shot another smile to Yuzu who was staring at me before I spun and went out on the ice. As I was gliding across the ice, I shook myself loose just to let out the nerves as I feel my Vera Wang dress flow smoothly with the wind. I take pride in my costume because its looks strongly similar to Yuzu's costume during his short program. I was not copying him or anything. Its just that this dress matches my music perfectly. A crystal snow. The applause died down as I take my position in the center.

*please play the music now*

My cue when I start is taking a deep breath. The music I chose for my short program is very different from the genre I choose when I was junior.

I start of my program with a quad toe to which I landed perfectly. I continued with my choreographic sequence into a combination spin. I then prepare for my second jump, a triple loop which I landed successfully.

I stepped out of my successful landing into a spread eagle. I stopped, getting my emotions and breath ready for my step sequence and choreographic sequence. I skated as if no one was watching and thought to myself

I'm happy to be back. Being able to stand here for the first and last time... I'm beyond grateful for the chance.

Right after my choreographic sequence, I go into a flying camel for my combination spin that ends with a biellman.

I was nearing the end of my performance as I held my breath for my last combination jump, a triple axel triple toe.

And as if time slowed down, I jumped in slow motion. As I landed successfully, time sped up again with the crowd's roar ringing in my ears.

I finished my performance as I kneeled on the ice, my upper body leaning back, right arm outstretched and my left arm supporting me touching the ice.

I gasp for air as the crowd continues to erupt in applause. I stayed in that position for 5 more seconds when I realized what I had accomplished before breaking down.

I did it. My debut. I really did it. I said to myself as I sat in the middle of the ice, my head buried in my hands sobbing lightly. I then looked up and saw almost everyone giving me a standing ovation. It was raining carnations and tulips. My favorite flowers.

I skated around the center to compose myself and continued to bow to everyone, mouthing countless thank you's.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Luna Saito."

After my last bow, I immediately rushed to the Kiss and Cry and tackled my uncle who welcomed me into a tight hug.

I was crying and Uncle Brian was just tapping my back as he said

"You were amazing Luna."

I then looked to Coach Tracy next as I hugged her as well.

We then proceeded to the Kiss and Cry after I put my blade guards on. As we sat, the replay was shown on the screen.

Uncle Brian leaned and whispered to me, "you okay? take deep breaths and normalize your breathing."

I didn't realize I was panting so hard so I listened to him. I closed my eyes for 30 seconds as I felt Coach Tracy carress my back to calm me down. I just smiled at her and said thank you.

"The scores please for Luna Saito of Canada."

I clenched my eyes tight, scared that my scores won't be enough for first place.

"Luna Saito has earned a Short Program score of 85.75, a new world record, which puts her in first place."

I opened my eyes in shock as I hear the audience erupt once again in loud applause. I couldn't believe it as I turn my head slowly towards Uncle who had the same shocked expression as mine.

Seriously?

-----------------------That's it guys for my update! I hope its long enough for you because this chapter serves as an apology for the days I haven't uploaded 🥺

And as you can see, I'm an ARMY. 🤗 I kinda hinted that during the first chapter of this book (I think). I chose Crystal Snow as Luna's music for the short because I think it kinda fits the drama and emotion of the story right? Even if you don't agree, I still think it does HAHAHAHA sorry not sorry. Besides, if I was a competitive figure skater, I also would've chosen music like that sooooo.

ANYWAY. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Please don't forget to comment and vote! And also follow me! 💜🤗

Stay golden, lovelies! ✨