Chapters:  8/16

[Completed, published every Friday/Saturday]

Otabek’s footsteps come closer, then come to a halt. He’s wearing mismatched socks, one white and one black. Despite his sullen mood, Yuri suppresses a smile.

“Stand up.”

“No.”

“Very well, then,”

Otabek says, grabbing Yuri under the armpits and hoisting him up to face him as if holding Link after he’s done something stupid.

“What do you think you’re doing, asshole?”

“Making sure you’re eating.”

“I already told you you’re not my babysitter!”

Chapters: 15/16

[Completed, published every Friday/Saturday]

At the mountain’s peak, Yuri removes his helmet, shaking his head to free his hair from its tangles. Otabek lends a hand, running his fingers through the unruly strands.

Yuri brushes against the sun-shaped tattoo on Otabek’s index finger with his own. “I get why you were so eager to show me this place,” Yuri remarks. The steep slopes offer a mesmerizing view of the valleys below. A serene silence reigns, interrupted only by the rustling of snowflakes played on by the wind.

“These mountains and valleys were my playground when I was a kid. I’m glad I can share these spots with you.”

“I grew up between concrete walls and inside ice rinks. You and I are worlds apart.”

“Does that bother you?”

[Completed, published every Saturday]

Otabek has little time to think or speak. Viktor hangs up. The darkened screen mirrors his face, his jaw tense and his eyes shameful. It takes him a few seconds to register the date shown on it. 1st of March. His heart tightens. He doesn’t like to think about all the things he gave up when he hung up his skates. He has no desire to return to Moscow.

Chapter:

1/17

Summary:

The frost lingers this year. Life seems dull, frozen under a thick layer of ice. The streets are white, the sky is white, the buildings are white, and even the smoke is white. Otabek watches it vanish from the chimneys; all things are meant to slip away from him, as smoke would.

Chapter: 5/17 [Completed, published every Saturday]

[Completed, published every Saturday]

Just before Milan 2026, Yuri was plastered all over the bus stops.

It was an ad campaign for Cartier jewelry, where Yuri was depicted as a modern Venus. His wet hair fell around his face, the sheer fabric of his white dress blended with his pale skin, and his leather jacket was casually thrown over his shoulder. His intense gaze stole the show from the gold panther necklace he was supposed to sell. Untamable, the ad said. It suits Yuri well; a delicate creature too wild for the absolute wreck Otabek is.

Chapters: 10/17

[Completed, published every Saturday]

Returning to the driver’s seat, Otabek sets off once more. As the fog lifts and Almaty stirs from its slumber, he navigates through the quiet city. Yuri seems to haunt every street corner.

[Completed, published every Saturday]

Chapter: 7/17

[Completed, published every Saturday]

Chapter 4/17

Yuri pulls an arm out of the blanket he’s wrapped in. Otabek hands him his cigarette, but he reaches for his wrist instead, grazing over the threaded wristband. His fingers are icy cold, his touch is scalding. “Are you still wearing that?” “It’s… still special to me.” “You collect so much crap, you probably don’t give a shit about this thing.”